Treatment of angiogenesis-associated diseases using rna complexes that target angpt2 and pdgfb

ABSTRACT

In certain aspects, provided herein are RNA complexes (e.g., asymmetric RNA complexes, such as asiRNAs or cell penetrating asiRNAs) that inhibit ANGPT2 and/or PDGFB expression and are therefore useful for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases, such as cancer, AMD, and DME.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/422,122, filed Feb. 1, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/290,330, filed Feb. 2, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Oct. 29, 2019, is named OLX-011C1_SL.txt and is 118,773 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is a term used to describe the growth of new blood vessels. The growth and proliferation of blood vessels plays an important role in many biological processes. One example is tumor development, where the development of blood vessels within the tumor allows the tumor to grow through increased access to oxygen and nutrients, increases tumor survival, and facilitates tumor metastasis. Targeting angiogenesis is a promising route to treat cancer.

Angiogenesis in the eyes usually plays an important role in supply of sufficient oxygen and other necessary nutrients to the eyes and the development of normal tissues. However, when excessive and abnormal blood vessel development is occurred, ocular diseases, such as wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), can be induced, and in some cases, even blindness may result.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that results from the degeneration of the retinal pigmented epithelium lining in the eye's macula, which leads to vision loss. The macula is a small area in the retina made up of the light-sensitive tissues lining the back of the eye and plays a critical role in central vision. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. AMD occurs in “wet” and “dry” forms. Wet AMD is the result of abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. In wet AMD, increased amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contributes to this neovascularization, so therapeutic options include the use of VEGF inhibitors. However, many patients treated with VEGF inhibitors develop geographic atrophy (GA), which is a primary symptom of late dry macular degeneration, within a few years of treatment. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a disease that resulted from swelling of the retina in diabetes mellitus due to leaking of fluid from blood vessels within the macula. The poor blood circulation in diabetic patients can accelerate the new blood vessel development in the macula, and retinal edema can result from the leakage of blood vessels with think or weak walls. DME is the leading cause of blindness in patients with diabetes, and 10% of the diabetics suffer from macular edema.

SUMMARY

In certain aspects, provided herein are RNA complexes that target ANGPT2 (Angiopoietin 2) or PDGFB (Platelet Derived Growth Factor Beta) and are useful for treating and/or preventing angiogenesis-associated diseases, such as AMD (e.g., wet AMD), DME, and cancer. In certain aspects, provided herein are RNA complexes that inhibit angiogenesis. In certain aspects, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such RNA complexes and methods of using such RNA complexes and pharmaceutical compositions.

In certain aspects, provided herein is an RNA complex comprising an antisense strand having sequence complementarity to an ANGPT2 or PDGFB mRNA sequence and a sense strand having sequence complementarity to the antisense strand. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is capable of inhibiting ANGPT2 or PDGFB expression by a cell. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is an asymmetric shorter-duplex small interfering RNA (an asiRNA). In some embodiments, the RNA complex is an RNA complex listed in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, or Table 6. In some embodiments, the RNA complex provided herein comprises a chemical modification, wherein the modification facilitates the penetration of a cellular membrane in the absence of a delivery vehicle. In some embodiments, the modification is a 2′-O-methylated nucleoside, a phosphorothioate bond or a hydrophobic moiety. In some embodiments, the chemical modification is a hydrophobic moiety. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic moiety is a cholesterol moiety. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is a modified RNA complex listed in Table 2, Table 3, Table 5, or Table 6. In certain embodiments, the RNA complex is not cytotoxic.

In certain aspects, provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an RNA complex provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for parenteral delivery. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition formulated for oral delivery. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intravenous delivery. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intravitreal delivery. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated as an eye drop.

In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of inhibiting ANGPT2 or PDGFB expression by a cell, comprising contacting the cell with an RNA complex provided herein.

In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of inhibiting gene expression ANGPT2 or PDGFB in a human subject, comprising administering to the subject an RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition provided herein. In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a human subject, comprising contacting the cell with an RNA complex provided herein. In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of treating a human subject for an angiogenesis-associated disease, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or cancer comprising administering to the subject an RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the gene silencing efficiency of 100 exemplary asiRNAs that target ANGPT2. SK-N-SH cells were transfected with 0.1 nM asiRNAs.

FIG. 2 shows the gene silencing efficiency of 27 exemplary asiRNAs that target ANGPT2.

FIG. 3 shows the gene silencing effects of 14 exemplary asiRNAs that target ANGPT2.

FIG. 4 shows the inhibition of ANGPT2 protein expression by 14 exemplary asiRNAs that target ANGPT2.

FIG. 5 shows the gene silencing efficiency of exemplary ANGPT2-targeting cell-penetrating asiRNAs (cp-asiRNAs, or cp-asiANGPT2s) to which various chemical modifications have been applied.

FIG. 6 shows the inhibition of ANGPT2 mRNA expression by exemplary cp-asiRNAs.

FIG. 7 shows the inhibition of ANGPT2 protein expression by exemplary cp-asiRNAs.

FIG. 8 shows the gene silencing efficiency of 6 cp-asiRNAs with different antisense strand lengths (19 or 21 nucleotides).

FIG. 9 shows the inhibition of ANGPT2 protein expression by 6 exemplary cp-asiRNAs.

FIG. 10 shows the mRNA sequence of human ANGPT2 variant 1. Figure discloses SEQ ID NO: 457.

FIG. 11 shows the gene silencing efficiency of 100 exemplary asiRNAs that target PDGFB.

FIG. 12 shows the gene silencing efficiency of 22 exemplary asiRNAs that target PDGFB.

FIG. 13 shows the gene silencing effects of 12 exemplary asiRNAs that target PDGFB.

FIG. 14 shows the inhibition of PDGFB protein expression by 12 exemplary asiRNAs that target PDGFB.

FIG. 15 shows the inhibition of PDGFB mRNA expression by exemplary cp-asiRNAs.

FIG. 16 shows the inhibition of PDGFB protein expression by exemplary cp-asiRNAs.

FIG. 17 shows the inhibition of PDGFB protein expression by 11 cp-asiRNAs of different antisense strand lengths (19 or 21 nucleotides) or chemical modification.

FIG. 18 shows the mRNA sequence of human PDGFB variant 2. Figure discloses SEQ ID NO: 458.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION General

In certain aspects, provided herein are asymmetric RNA complexes (e.g., asiRNAs or cp-asiRNAs) that inhibit ANGPT2 or PDGFB and are therefore useful for the treatment of angiogenesis-associated diseases, such as AMD (e.g. wet or dry AMD), DME, and cancer. In some embodiments, the RNA complexes are chemically modified to be capable of penetrating a cell without need for a transfection vehicle. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is an RNA complex listed in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, or Table 6. In certain aspects, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such RNA complexes and methods of using such RNA complexes and pharmaceutical compositions.

In some embodiments, the RNA complexes described herein are asiRNAs or cp-asiRNAs. As used herein, the term asiRNA refers to double-stranded asymmetric shorter-duplex small interfering RNA molecules that have a 19-21 nt antisense strand and a 13-17 nt sense strand. Additional information on asiRNAs can be found in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0238017 and in Chang et al., Mol. Ther. 17:725-732 (2009), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the RNA complexes described herein are delivered to cells using a delivery vehicle, such as liposomes, cationic polymers, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), protein transduction domains (PTDs), antibodies and/or aptamers. In some embodiments, the RNA complex described herein is chemically modified so as to not require the use of such delivery vehicles to mediate ANGPT2 or PDGFB inhibition in a cell. Such RNA complexes are referred to herein as cell-penetrating asiRNAs (cp-asiRNAs).

Definitions

For convenience, certain terms employed in the specification, examples, and appended claims are collected here.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

As used herein, the term “administering” means providing a pharmaceutical agent or composition to a subject, and includes, but is not limited to, administering by a medical professional and self-administering.

As used herein, the term “immunomodulator” refers to a compound or composition that weakens, stimulates, or otherwise modulates the immune system. Examples include, by are not limited to leukotriene receptor agonists, immunosuppressants (e.g., FK-506), or cytokines.

As used herein, the terms “interfering nucleic acid” and “inhibiting nucleic acid” are used interchangeably. Interfering nucleic acids generally include a sequence of cyclic subunits, each bearing a base-pairing moiety, linked by intersubunit linkages that allow the base-pairing moieties to hybridize to a target sequence in a nucleic acid (typically RNA) by Watson-Crick base pairing, to form a nucleic acid: oligomer heteroduplex within the target sequence. Interfering RNA molecules include, but are not limited to, antisense molecules, siRNA molecules, asiRNA molecules, cp-asiRNA molecules, single-stranded siRNA molecules, miRNA molecules and shRNA molecules. Such an interfering nucleic acids can be designed to block or inhibit translation of mRNA or to inhibit natural pre-mRNA splice processing, or induce degradation of targeted mRNAs, and may be said to be “directed to” or “targeted against” a target sequence with which it hybridizes. Interfering nucleic acids may include, for example, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs), 2′-O-Methyl oligonucleotides and RNA interference agents (siRNA agents). RNAi molecules generally act by forming a heteroduplex with the target molecule, which is selectively degraded or “knocked down,” hence inactivating the target RNA. Under some conditions, an interfering RNA molecule can also inactivate a target transcript by repressing transcript translation and/or inhibiting transcription of the transcript. An interfering nucleic acid is more generally said to be “targeted against” a biologically relevant target, such as a protein, when it is targeted against the nucleic acid of the target in the manner described above.

The terms “polynucleotide”, and “nucleic acid” are used interchangeably. They refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides, whether deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, or analogs thereof, in any combination and of any length. Polynucleotides may have any three-dimensional structure, and may perform any function. The following are non-limiting examples of polynucleotides: coding or non-coding regions of a gene or gene fragment, loci (locus) defined from linkage analysis, exons, introns, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, ribozymes, cDNA, recombinant polynucleotides, branched polynucleotides, plasmids, vectors, isolated DNA of any sequence, isolated RNA of any sequence, nucleic acid probes, and primers. A polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and nucleotide analogs. If present, modifications to the nucleotide structure may be imparted before or after assembly of the polymer. A polynucleotide may be further modified, such as by conjugation with a labeling component. In all nucleic acid sequences provided herein, U nucleobases are interchangeable with T nucleobases.

The phrase “pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier” as used herein means a pharmaceutically-acceptable material, composition or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, or solvent encapsulating material.

As used herein, a therapeutic that “prevents” a disorder or condition refers to a compound that, when administered to a statistical sample prior to the onset of the disorder or condition, reduces the occurrence of the disorder or condition in the treated sample relative to an untreated control sample, or delays the onset or reduces the severity of one or more symptoms of the disorder or condition relative to the untreated control sample.

An oligonucleotide “specifically hybridizes” to a target polynucleotide if the oligomer hybridizes to the target under physiological conditions, with a Tm substantially greater than 45° C., or at least 50° C., or at least 60° C.−80° C. or higher. Such hybridization corresponds to stringent hybridization conditions. At a given ionic strength and pH, the Tm is the temperature at which 50% of a target sequence hybridizes to a complementary polynucleotide. Again, such hybridization may occur with “near” or “substantial” complementarity of the antisense oligomer to the target sequence, as well as with exact complementarity.

As used herein, the term “subject” means a human or non-human animal selected for treatment or therapy.

The phrases “therapeutically-effective amount” and “effective amount” as used herein means the amount of an agent which is effective for producing the desired therapeutic effect in at least a sub-population of cells in a subject at a reasonable benefit/risk ratio applicable to any medical treatment.

“Treating” a disease in a subject or “treating” a subject having a disease refers to subjecting the subject to a pharmaceutical treatment, e.g., the administration of a drug, such that at least one symptom of the disease is decreased or prevented from worsening.

RNA Complexes

In certain aspects, provided herein are RNA complexes that target ANGPT2 and/or PDGFB mRNA and inhibit ANGPT2 and/or PDGFB expression by a cell, respectively. In some embodiments, the cell is a A549 cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a SK-N-SH cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a tumor cell. The nucleic acid sequence of human ANGPT2 and PDGFB mRNA is provided in FIG. 10, and FIG. 18, respectively.

In certain aspects, provided herein is an RNA complex comprising an antisense strand having sequence complementarity to an ANGPT2 and/or PDGFB mRNA sequence (e.g., a human ANGPT2 or PDGFB mRNA sequence) and a sense strand having sequence complementarity to the antisense strand. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is capable of inhibiting ANGPT2 or PDGFB expression by a cell. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is an asymmetric shorter-duplex small interfering RNA (an asiRNA). In some embodiments, the RNA complex is an RNA complex listed in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, or Table 6. The RNA complexes described herein can contain RNA bases, non-RNA bases or a mixture of RNA bases and non-RNA bases. For example, certain RNA complexes provided herein can be primarily composed of RNA bases but also contain DNA bases or non-naturally occurring nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the antisense strand is at least 19 nucleotides (nt) in length. In some embodiments, the antisense strand is 19 to 21 nt in length (i.e., 19, 20 or 21 nt in length). In some embodiments, at least 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 nt of the antisense strand are complementary to the ANGPT2 or PDGFB mRNA sequence. Perfect complementarity is not necessary. In some embodiments, the antisense strand is perfectly complementary to the ANGPT2 or PDGFB mRNA sequence.

In some embodiments, the antisense strand is at least 24 nt in length (e.g., at least 25 nt in length, at least 26 nt in length, at least 27 nt in length, at least 28 nt in length, at least 29 nt in length, at least 30 nt in length or at least 31 nt in length). In some embodiments, the antisense strand is no greater than 124 nt in length (e.g., no greater than 100 nt in length, no greater than 90 nt in length, no greater than 80 nt in length, no greater than 70 nt in length, no greater than 60 nt in length, no greater than 50 nt in length or no greater than 40 nt in length. In some embodiments, the antisense strand is 31 nt in length. In some embodiments, at least 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 29, 30 or 31 nt of the antisense strand are complementary to the ANGPT2 or PDGFB mRNA sequence. Perfect complementarity is not necessary. In some embodiments, the antisense strand is perfectly complementary to the ANGPT2 or PDGFB mRNA sequence.

In some embodiments, the sense strand is 15 to 17 nt in length (i.e., 15 nt in length, 16 nt in length or 17 nt in length). In some embodiments, at least 15 nt, at least 16 nt or at least 17 nt of the sense strand are complementary to the sequence of the antisense strand. In some embodiments the sense strand is perfectly complementary to the sequence of the antisense strand.

In some embodiments, the antisense strand and the sense strand form a complex in which the 5′ end of the antisense strand and the 3′ end of the sense strand form a blunt end. In some embodiments, the antisense strand and the sense strand form a complex in which the 5′ end of the antisense strand overhangs the 3′ end of the sense strand (e.g., by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 nt). In some embodiments, the antisense strand and the sense strand form a complex in which the 5′ end of the sense strand overhangs the 3′ end of the antisense strand (e.g., by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 nt).

In some embodiments, the antisense strand and/or the sense strand of the RNA complex has a sense strand sequence and/or an antisense strand sequence selected from the sequences listed in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, or Table 6. In some embodiments, the RNA complex provided herein comprises a chemical modification, wherein the modification facilitates the penetration of a cellular membrane in the absence of a delivery vehicle.

In some embodiments, the modification is a 2′-O-methylated nucleoside, a phosphorothioate bond, or a hydrophobic moiety. In some embodiments, the RNA complexes provided herein comprise a hydrophobic moiety. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic moiety can be any chemical structure having hydrophobic character. For example, in some embodiments the hydrophobic moiety is a lipid, a lipophilic peptide and/or a lipophilic protein. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic moiety is a lipid, such as cholesterol, tocopherol, or a long-chain fatty acid having 10 or more carbon atoms (e.g., stearic acid or palmitic acid). In some embodiments, the hydrophobic moiety is cholesterol. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic moiety is a cholesterol moiety. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is a modified RNA complex listed in Table 2, Table 3, Table 5, or Table 6. In certain embodiments, the RNA complex is not cytotoxic.

The RNA complexes described herein can employ a variety of oligonucleotide chemistries. Examples of oligonucleotide chemistries include, without limitation, peptide nucleic acid (PNA), linked nucleic acid (LNA), phosphorothioate, 2′O-Me-modified oligonucleotides, and morpholino chemistries, including combinations of any of the foregoing. In general, PNA chemistries can utilize shorter targeting sequences because of their relatively high target binding strength relative to 2′O-Me oligonucleotides. Phosphorothioate and 2′O-Me-modified chemistries are often combined to generate 2′O-Me-modified oligonucleotides having a phosphorothioate backbone. See, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO/2013/112053 and WO/2009/008725, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are analogs of DNA in which the backbone is structurally homomorphous with a deoxyribose backbone, consisting of N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine units to which pyrimidine or purine bases are attached. PNAs containing natural pyrimidine and purine bases hybridize to complementary oligonucleotides obeying Watson-Crick base-pairing rules, and mimic DNA in terms of base pair recognition. The backbone of PNAs is formed by peptide bonds rather than phosphodiester bonds, making them well-suited for antisense applications (see structure below). The backbone is uncharged, resulting in PNA/DNA or PNA/RNA duplexes that exhibit greater than normal thermal stability. PNAs are not recognized by nucleases or proteases.

Despite a radical structural change to the natural structure, PNAs are capable of sequence-specific binding in a helix form to DNA or RNA. Characteristics of PNAs include a high binding affinity to complementary DNA or RNA, a destabilizing effect caused by single-base mismatch, resistance to nucleases and proteases, hybridization with DNA or RNA independent of salt concentration and triplex formation with homopurine DNA. PANAGENE™ has developed its proprietary Bts PNA monomers (Bts; benzothiazole-2-sulfonyl group) and proprietary oligomerization process. The PNA oligomerization using Bts PNA monomers is composed of repetitive cycles of deprotection, coupling and capping. PNAs can be produced synthetically using any technique known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,969,766, 7,211,668, 7,022,851, 7,125,994, 7,145,006 and 7,179,896. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262 for the preparation of PNAs. Further teaching of PNA compounds can be found in Nielsen et al., Science, 254:1497-1500, 1991. Each of the foregoing is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Interfering nucleic acids may also contain “locked nucleic acid” subunits (LNAs). “LNAs” are a member of a class of modifications called bridged nucleic acid (BNA). BNA is characterized by a covalent linkage that locks the conformation of the ribose ring in a C3-endo (northern) sugar pucker. For LNA, the bridge is composed of a methylene between the 2′-O and the 4′-C positions. LNA enhances backbone preorganization and base stacking to increase hybridization and thermal stability.

The structures of LNAs can be found, for example, in Wengel, et al., Chemical Communications (1998) 455; Tetrahedron (1998) 54:3607, and Accounts of Chem. Research (1999) 32:301); Obika, et al., Tetrahedron Letters (1997) 38:8735; (1998) 39:5401, and Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry (2008) 16:9230. Compounds provided herein may incorporate one or more LNAs; in some cases, the compounds may be entirely composed of LNAs. Methods for the synthesis of individual LNA nucleoside subunits and their incorporation into oligonucleotides are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,572,582, 7,569,575, 7,084,125, 7,060,809, 7,053,207, 7,034,133, 6,794,499, and 6,670,461, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Typical intersubunit linkers include phosphodiester and phosphorothioate moieties; alternatively, non-phosphorous containing linkers may be employed. One embodiment is an LNA-containing compound where each LNA subunit is separated by a DNA subunit. Certain compounds are composed of alternating LNA and DNA subunits where the intersubunit linker is phosphorothioate.

In certain embodiments, the RNA complex is linked to a cholesterol moiety. In some embodiments, the cholesterol moiety is attached to the 3′ terminus of the sense strand. In some embodiments, the cholesterol moiety is attached to the 3′ terminus of the antisense strand. In some embodiments, the cholesterol moiety is attached to the 5′ terminus of the sense strand. In some embodiments, the cholesterol moiety is attached to the 5′ terminus of the antisense strand.

In some embodiments, the RNA complex comprises a 2′-O-methylated nucleoside. 2′-O-methylated nucleosides carry a methyl group at the 2′-OH residue of the ribose molecule. 2′-O-Me-RNAs show the same (or similar) behavior as RNA, but are protected against nuclease degradation. 2′-O-Me-RNAs can also be combined with phosphothioate oligonucleotides (PTOs) for further stabilization. 2′-O-Me-RNAs (phosphodiester or phosphothioate) can be synthesized according to routine techniques in the art (see, e.g., Yoo et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 32:2008-16, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference).

In some embodiments, the 2′-O-methyl nucleoside is positioned at the 3′ terminus of the sense strand. In some embodiments, 3′ terminal region of the sense strand comprises a plurality of 2′-O-methylated nucleosides (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 2′-O-methylated nucleosides within 6 nucleosides of the 3′ terminus). In some embodiments, the 2′-O-methyl nucleoside is positioned at the 3′ terminus of the antisense strand. In some embodiments, 3′ terminal region of the antisense strand comprises a plurality of 2′-O-methylated nucleosides (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 2′-O-methylated nucleosides within 6 nucleosides of the 3′ terminus). In some embodiments, both the 3′ terminal region of the sense strand and the 3′ terminal region of the antisense strand comprise a plurality of 2′-O-methylated nucleosides. In some embodiments, the sense strand comprises 2′-O-methylated nucleosides that alternate with unmodified nucleosides. In some embodiments, the sense strand comprises a contiguous sequence of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 2′-O-methylated nucleosides that alternate with unmodified nucleosides. In some embodiments, the anti-sense strand comprises 2′-O-methylated nucleosides that alternate with unmodified nucleosides. In some embodiments, the anti-sense strand comprises a contiguous sequence of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 2′-O-methylated nucleosides that alternate with unmodified nucleosides.

In some embodiments, the RNA complex comprises a phosphorothioate bond. “Phosphorothioates” (or S-oligos) are a variant of normal DNA in which one of the non-bridging oxygen is replaced by a sulfur. The sulfurization of the internucleotide bond reduces the action of endo- and exonucleases including 5′ to 3′ and 3′ to 5′ DNA POL 1 exonuclease, nucleases 51 and P1, RNases, serum nucleases and snake venom phosphodiesterase. Phosphorothioates are made by two principal routes: by the action of a solution of elemental sulfur in carbon disulfide on a hydrogen phosphonate, or by the method of sulfurizing phosphite triesters with either tetraethylthiuram disulfide (TETD) or 3H-1,2-benzodithiol-3-one 1,1-dioxide (BDTD) (see, e.g., Iyer et al., J. Org. Chem. 55, 4693-4699, 1990). The latter methods avoid the problem of elemental sulfur's insolubility in most organic solvents and the toxicity of carbon disulfide. The TETD and BDTD methods also yield higher purity phosphorothioates.

In some embodiments, at least 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the bonds between the ribonucleotides in the sense strand of the RNA complex are phosphorothioate bonds. In some embodiments, all of the bonds between the ribonucleotides in the sense strand of the RNA complex are phosphorothioate bonds.

In some embodiments, at least 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the bonds between the ribonucleotides in the antisense strand of the RNA complex are phosphorothioate bonds. In some embodiments, all of the bonds between the ribonucleotides in the antisense strand of the RNA complex are phosphorothioate bonds.

The RNA complexes described herein may be contacted with a cell or administered to an organism (e.g., a human). Alternatively, constructs and/or vectors encoding the RNA complexes may be contacted with or introduced into a cell or organism. In certain embodiments, a viral, retroviral, or lentiviral vector is used.

The RNA complexes described herein can be prepared by any appropriate method known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the RNA complexes described herein are prepared by chemical synthesis or in vitro transcription.

Pharmaceutical Compositions:

In certain aspects, provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an RNA complex provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for delivery to the eye (e.g., as an eye drop or an injectable implant or solution). In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intravenous delivery. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intratumoral delivery. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered intratumorally. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral or parenteral delivery.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a second agent for treatment of AMD or DME. In some embodiments, the second agent is ranibizumab. In some embodiments, the second agent is pegaptanib. In some embodiments, the second agent is afibercept. In some embodiments, the second agent is bevacizumab.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a second agent for treatment of cancer. In certain embodiments, the second therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent (e.g., alkylating agents or agents with an alkylating action, such as cyclophosphamide (CTX; e.g., CYTOXANφ), chlorambucil (CHL; e.g., LEUKERAN®), cisplatin (Cis P; e.g., PLATINOL®) busulfan (e.g., MYLERAN®), melphalan, carmustine (BCNU), streptozotocin, triethylenemelamine (TEM), mitomycin C, and the like; anti-metabolites, such as methotrexate (MTX), etoposide (VP16; e.g., VEPESID®), 6-mercaptopurine (6MP), 6-thiocguanine (6TG), cytarabine (Ara-C), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine (e.g. XELODA®), dacarbazine (DTIC), and the like; antibiotics, such as actinomycin D, doxorubicin (DXR; e.g., ADRIAMYCIN®), daunorubicin (daunomycin), bleomycin, mithramycin and the like; alkaloids, such as vinca alkaloids such as vincristine (VCR), vinblastine, and the like; and other antitumor agents, such as paclitaxel (e.g., TAXOL®) and pactitaxel derivatives, the cytostatic agents, glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (DEX; e.g., DECADRON®) and corticosteroids such as prednisone, nucleoside enzyme inhibitors such as hydroxyurea, amino acid depleting enzymes such as asparaginase, leucovorin and other folic acid derivatives, and similar, diverse antitumor agents. The following agents may also be used as additional agents: amifostine (e.g., ETHYOL®), dactinomycin, mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard), streptozocin, cyclophosphamide, lomustine (CCNU), doxorubicin lipo (e.g., DOXIL®), gemcitabine (e.g., GEMZAR®), daunorubicin lipo (e.g., DAUNOXOME®), procarbazine, mitomycin, docetaxel (e.g., TAXOTERE®), aldesleukin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, cladribine, camptothecin, CPT 11 (irinotecan), 10-hydroxy 7-ethyl-camptothecin (SN38), floxuridine, fludarabine, ifosfamide, idarubicin, mesna, interferon beta, interferon alpha, mitoxantrone, topotecan, leuprolide, megestrol, melphalan, mercaptopurine, plicamycin, mitotane, pegaspargase, pentostatin, pipobroman, plicamycin, tamoxifen, teniposide, testolactone, thioguanine, thiotepa, uracil mustard, vinorelbine, chlorambucil).

In some embodiments, the second therapeutic agent is an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Immune Checkpoint inhibition broadly refers to inhibiting the checkpoints that cancer cells can produce to prevent or downregulate an immune response. Examples of immune checkpoint proteins include, but are not limited to, CTLA4, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, A2AR, B7-H3, B7-H4, BTLA, KIR, LAG3, TIM-3 or VISTA. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can be antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to and inhibit an immune checkpoint protein. Examples of immune checkpoint inhibitors include, but are not limited to, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, AMP-224, AMP-514, STI-A1110, TSR-042, RG-7446, BMS-936559, MEDI-4736, MSB-0020718C, AUR-012 and STI-A1010.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition does not comprise a transfection vehicle. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a delivery vehicle (e.g., liposomes, cationic polymers, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), protein transduction domains (PTDs), antibodies and/or aptamers). In some embodiments, the composition includes a combination of multiple (e.g., two or more) of the RNA complexes described herein.

Methods of preparing these formulations or compositions include the step of bringing into association an RNA complex described herein with the carrier and, optionally, one or more accessory ingredients. In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association an agent described herein with liquid carriers.

Therapeutic Methods

In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of inhibiting ANGPT2 or PDGFB expression by a cell, comprising contacting the cell with an RNA complex provided herein. In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a cell, comprising contacting the cell with an RNA complex provided herein. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is a modified RNA complex and the cell is contacted with the RNA complex in the absence of a transfection vehicle. In some embodiments, the cell is contacted with the RNA complex in the presence of a delivery vehicle (e.g., a liposome, cationic polymer, cell penetrating peptide (CPP), protein transduction domain (PTD), antibody and/or aptamer).

In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject, comprising administering the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition to provided herein to the subject. In certain aspects, provided herein is a method of treating a human subject for AMD, DME, or cancer comprising administering to the subject an RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition provided herein.

In some embodiments, the subject has cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer comprises a solid tumor. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is administered without a delivery vehicle. In some embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition is administered intratumorally. In some embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously. In some embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition is administered with a second cancer therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the second cancer therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the second cancer therapeutic agent is an immune checkpoint inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the RNA complex is administered to the eye of a subject. In some embodiments, the subject has AMD (e.g. wet or dry AMD). In some embodiments, the subject has DME. In some embodiments, the subject is female. In some embodiments, the subject is male. In certain embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition is administered to the eye of the human subject. In certain embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition is an eye drop.

In certain embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition is administered to the tumor of the human subject. In some embodiments, the RNA complex is administered intratumorally. In certain embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously.

In some embodiments, the RNA complex or pharmaceutical composition self-administered by the subject. In some aspects, provided herein are methods of treating a cancer by administering to a subject an RNA complex and/or a pharmaceutical composition described herein. In some embodiments, the methods described herein may be used to treat any cancerous or pre-cancerous tumor. In some embodiments, the cancer includes a solid tumor. In some embodiments, the tumor and/or a portion of the tumor is has normal or increased angiogenesis. Cancers that may be treated by methods and compositions provided herein include, but are not limited to, cancer cells from the bladder, blood, bone, bone marrow, brain, breast, colon, esophagus, gastrointestine, gum, head, kidney, liver, lung, nasopharynx, neck, ovary, prostate, skin, stomach, testis, tongue, or uterus. In addition, the cancer may specifically be of the following histological type, though it is not limited to these: neoplasm, malignant; carcinoma; carcinoma, undifferentiated; giant and spindle cell carcinoma; small cell carcinoma; papillary carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; lymphoepithelial carcinoma; basal cell carcinoma; pilomatrix carcinoma; transitional cell carcinoma; papillary transitional cell carcinoma; adenocarcinoma; gastrinoma, malignant; cholangiocarcinoma; hepatocellular carcinoma; combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma; trabecular adenocarcinoma; adenoid cystic carcinoma; adenocarcinoma in adenomatous polyp; adenocarcinoma, familial polyposis coli; solid carcinoma; carcinoid tumor, malignant; branchiolo-alveolar adenocarcinoma; papillary adenocarcinoma; chromophobe carcinoma; acidophil carcinoma; oxyphilic adenocarcinoma; basophil carcinoma; clear cell adenocarcinoma; granular cell carcinoma; follicular adenocarcinoma; papillary and follicular adenocarcinoma; nonencapsulating sclerosing carcinoma; adrenal cortical carcinoma; endometrioid carcinoma; skin appendage carcinoma; apocrine adenocarcinoma; sebaceous adenocarcinoma; ceruminous adenocarcinoma; mucoepidermoid carcinoma; cystadenocarcinoma; papillary cystadenocarcinoma; papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma; mucinous cystadenocarcinoma; mucinous adenocarcinoma; signet ring cell carcinoma; infiltrating duct carcinoma; medullary carcinoma; lobular carcinoma; inflammatory carcinoma; mammary paget's disease; acinar cell carcinoma; adenosquamous carcinoma; adenocarcinoma w/squamous metaplasia; malignant thymoma; malignant ovarian stromal tumor; malignant thecoma; malignant granulosa cell tumor; and malignant roblastoma; sertoli cell carcinoma; malignant leydig cell tumor; malignant lipid cell tumor; malignant paraganglioma; malignant extra-mammary paraganglioma; pheochromocytoma; glomangiosarcoma; malignant melanoma; amelanotic melanoma; superficial spreading melanoma; malignant melanoma in giant pigmented nevus; epithelioid cell melanoma; malignant blue nevus; sarcoma; fibrosarcoma; malignant fibrous histiocytoma; myxosarcoma; liposarcoma; leiomyosarcoma; rhabdomyosarcoma; embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma; alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma; stromal sarcoma; malignant mixed tumor; mullerian mixed tumor; nephroblastoma; hepatoblastoma; carcinosarcoma; malignant mesenchymoma; malignant brenner tumor; malignant phyllodes tumor; synovial sarcoma; malignant mesothelioma; dysgerminoma; embryonal carcinoma; malignant teratoma; malignant struma ovarii; choriocarcinoma; malignant mesonephroma; hemangiosarcoma; malignant hemangioendothelioma; kaposi's sarcoma; malignant hemangiopericytoma; lymphangiosarcoma; osteosarcoma; juxtacortical osteosarcoma; chondrosarcoma; malignant chondroblastoma; mesenchymal chondrosarcoma; giant cell tumor of bone; ewing's sarcoma; malignant odontogenic tumor; ameloblastic odontosarcoma; malignant ameloblastoma; ameloblastic fibrosarcoma; malignant pinealoma; chordoma; malignant glioma; ependymoma; astrocytoma; protoplasmic astrocytoma; fibrillary astrocytoma; astroblastoma; glioblastoma; oligodendroglioma; oligodendroblastoma; primitive neuroectodermal; cerebellar sarcoma; ganglioneuroblastoma; neuroblastoma; retinoblastoma; olfactory neurogenic tumor; malignant meningioma; neurofibrosarcoma; malignant neurilemmoma; malignant granular cell tumor; malignant lymphoma; Hodgkin's disease; Hodgkin's lymphoma; paragranuloma; small lymphocytic malignant lymphoma; diffuse large cell malignant lymphoma; follicular malignant lymphoma; mycosis fungoides; other specified non-Hodgkin's lymphomas; malignant histiocytosis; multiple myeloma; mast cell sarcoma; immunoproliferative small intestinal disease; leukemia; lymphoid leukemia; plasma cell leukemia; erythroleukemia; lymphosarcoma cell leukemia; myeloid leukemia; basophilic leukemia; eosinophilic leukemia; monocytic leukemia; mast cell leukemia; megakaryoblastic leukemia; myeloid sarcoma; and hairy cell leukemia.

In the present methods, an RNA complex described herein can be administered to the subject, for example, as nucleic acid without delivery vehicle (e.g., for cp-asiRNAs), in combination with a delivery reagent, and/or as a nucleic acid comprising sequences that express the RNA complex described herein. In some embodiments, any nucleic acid delivery method known in the art can be used in the methods described herein. Suitable delivery reagents include, but are not limited to, e.g., the Mirus Transit TKO lipophilic reagent; lipofectin; lipofectamine; cellfectin; polycations (e.g., polylysine), atelocollagen, nanoplexes and liposomes. The use of atelocollagen as a delivery vehicle for nucleic acid molecules is described in Minakuchi et al. Nucleic Acids Res., 32(13):e109 (2004); Hanai et al. Ann NY Acad Sci., 1082:9-17 (2006); and Kawata et al. Mol Cancer Ther., 7(9):2904-12 (2008); each of which is incorporated herein in their entirety. Exemplary interfering nucleic acid delivery systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,283,461, 8,313,772, 8,501,930. 8,426,554, 8,268,798 and 8,324,366, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, liposomes are used to deliver an RNA complex described herein to a subject. Liposomes suitable for use in the methods described herein can be formed from standard vesicle-forming lipids, which generally include neutral or negatively charged phospholipids and a sterol, such as cholesterol. The selection of lipids is generally guided by consideration of factors such as the desired liposome size and half-life of the liposomes in the blood stream. A variety of methods are known for preparing liposomes, for example, as described in Szoka et al. (1980), Ann. Rev. Biophys. Bioeng. 9:467; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,235,871, 4,501,728, 4,837,028, and 5,019,369, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The liposomes for use in the present methods can also be modified so as to avoid clearance by the mononuclear macrophage system (“MMS”) and reticuloendothelial system (“RES”). Such modified liposomes have opsonization-inhibition moieties on the surface or incorporated into the liposome structure.

Opsonization-inhibiting moieties for use in preparing the liposomes described herein are typically large hydrophilic polymers that are bound to the liposome membrane. As used herein, an opsonization inhibiting moiety is “bound” to a liposome membrane when it is chemically or physically attached to the membrane, e.g., by the intercalation of a lipid-soluble anchor into the membrane itself, or by binding directly to active groups of membrane lipids. These opsonization-inhibiting hydrophilic polymers form a protective surface layer that significantly decreases the uptake of the liposomes by the MMS and RES; e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,016, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, opsonization inhibiting moieties suitable for modifying liposomes are water-soluble polymers with a number-average molecular weight from about 500 to about 40,000 daltons, or from about 2,000 to about 20,000 daltons. Such polymers include polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polypropylene glycol (PPG) derivatives; e.g., methoxy PEG or PPG, and PEG or PPG stearate; synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide or poly N-vinyl pyrrolidone; linear, branched, or dendrimeric polyamidoamines; polyacrylic acids; polyalcohols, e.g., polyvinylalcohol and polyxylitol to which carboxylic or amino groups are chemically linked, as well as gangliosides, such as ganglioside GM1. Copolymers of PEG, methoxy PEG, or methoxy PPG, or derivatives thereof, are also suitable. In addition, the opsonization inhibiting polymer can be a block copolymer of PEG and either a polyamino acid, polysaccharide, polyamidoamine, polyethyleneamine, or polynucleotide. The opsonization inhibiting polymers can also be natural polysaccharides containing amino acids or carboxylic acids, e.g., galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid, mannuronic acid, hyaluronic acid, pectic acid, neuraminic acid, alginic acid, carrageenan; aminated polysaccharides or oligosaccharides (linear or branched); or carboxylated polysaccharides or oligosaccharides, e.g., reacted with derivatives of carbonic acids with resultant linking of carboxylic groups. In some embodiments, the opsonization-inhibiting moiety is a PEG, PPG, or derivatives thereof. Liposomes modified with PEG or PEG-derivatives are sometimes called “PEGylated liposomes.”

The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein may be delivered by any suitable route of administration, including intravenously, intratumorally, intraocularly, orally, and parenterally. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions are delivered systemically (e.g., via oral or intravenous administration). In certain other embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions are delivered locally to the eye through injection (e.g., intravitreally) or through an eye drop.

Actual dosage levels of the RNA complexes in the pharmaceutical compositions may be varied so as to obtain an amount of RNA complex that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a particular patient, composition, and mode of administration, without being toxic to the patient.

The selected dosage level will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the particular agent employed, the route of administration, the time of administration, the rate of excretion or metabolism of the particular compound being employed, the duration of the treatment, other drugs, compounds and/or materials used in combination with the particular compound employed, the age, sex, weight, condition, general health and prior medical history of the patient being treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts.

A physician having ordinary skill in the art can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition required. For example, the physician or veterinarian could prescribe and/or administer doses of the agents employed in the pharmaceutical composition at levels lower than that required in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved.

In general, a suitable daily dose of an RNA complex described herein will be that amount of the RNA complex which is the lowest dose effective to produce a therapeutic effect. Such an effective dose will generally depend upon the factors described above.

EXEMPLIFICATION Example 1: Screening for ANGPT2-Targeting Asymmetric Shorter-Duplex Small Interfering RNAs

To identify asymmetric shorter-duplex small interfering RNAs (asiRNAs) that inhibit ANGPT2 with high efficiency, 100 asiRNAs were synthesized and screened. The nucleic acid sequences of screened asiRNAs are provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Nucleic acid sequences for exemplary ANGPT2- targeting asiRNA. SEQ ID NO: SEQUENCE   1 ANGPT2/1(AS): 5′ UGUCAGUAUCCGAAUCAAUCA 3′   2 ANGPT2/1(S): 5′ GAUUCGGAUACUGACA 3′   3 ANGPT2/2(AS): 5′ GUGUCAGUAUCCGAAUCAAUC 3′   4 ANGPT2/2(S): 5′ AUUCGGAUACUGACAC 3′   5 ANGPT2/3(AS): 5′ AGUGUCAGUAUCCGAAUCAAU 3′   6 ANGPT2/3(S): 5′ UUCGGAUACUGACACU 3′   7 ANGPT2/4(AS): 5′ CAGUGUCAGUAUCCGAAUCAA 3′   8 ANGPT2/4(S): 5′ UCGGAUACUGACACUG 3′   9 ANGPT2/5(AS): 5′ ACAGUGUCAGUAUCCGAAUCA 3′  10 ANGPT2/5(S): 5′ CGGAUACUGACACUGU 3′  11 ANGPT2/6(AS): 5′ UACAGUGUCAGUAUCCGAAUC 3′  12 ANGPT2/6(S): 5′ GGAUACUGACACUGUA 3′  13 ANGPT2/7(AS): 5′ CUACAGUGUCAGUAUCCGAAU 3′  14 ANGPT2/7(S): 5′ GAUACUGACACUGUAG 3′  15 ANGPT2/8(AS): 5′ UACUUGGGCUUCCACAUCAGU 3′  16 ANGPT2/8(S): 5′ UGUGGAAGCCCAAGUA 3′  17 ANGPT2/9(AS): 5′ GUCACAGUAGGCCUUGAUCUC 3′  18 ANGPT2/9(S): 5′ CAAGGCCUACUGUGAC 3′  19 ANGPT2/10(AS): 5′ UGUCACAGUAGGCCUUGAUCU 3′  20 ANGPT2/10(S): 5′ AAGGCCUACUGUGACA 3′  21 ANGPT2/11(AS): 5′ AUGUCACAGUAGGCCUUGAUC 3′  22 ANGPT2/11(S): 5′ AGGCCUACUGUGACAU 3′  23 ANGPT2/12(AS): 5′ CAUGUCACAGUAGGCCUUGAU 3′  24 ANGPT2/12(S): 5′ GGCCUACUGUGACAUG 3′  25 ANGPT2/13(AS): 5′ CCAUGUCACAGUAGGCCUUGA 3′  26 ANGPT2/13(S): 5′ GCCUACUGUGACAUGG 3′  27 ANGPT2/14(AS): 5′ UCCAUGUCACAGUAGGCCUUG 3′  28 ANGPT2/14(S): 5′ CCUACUGUGACAUGGA 3′  29 ANGPT2/15(AS): 5′ CAAGUUGGAAGGACCACAUGC 3′  30 ANGPT2/15(S): 5′ UGGUCCUUCCAACUUG 3′  31 ANGPT2/16(AS): 5′ UCAAGUUGGAAGGACCACAUG 3′  32 ANGPT2/16(S): 5′ GGUCCUUCCAACUUGA 3′  33 ANGPT2/17(AS): 5′ UUCAAGUUGGAAGGACCACAU 3′  34 ANGPT2/17(S): 5′ GUCCUUCCAACUUGAA 3′  35 ANGPT2/18(AS): 5′ CAUGGUUGUGGCCUUGAGCGA 3′  36 ANGPT2/18(S): 5′ CAAGGCCACAACCAUG 3′  37 ANGPT2/19(AS): 5′ UCAUGGUUGUGGCCUUGAGCG 3′  38 ANGPT2/19(S): 5′ AAGGCCACAACCAUGA 3′  39 ANGPT2/20(AS): 5′ AUCAUGGUUGUGGCCUUGAGC 3′  40 ANGPT2/20(S): 5′ AGGCCACAACCAUGAU 3′  41 ANGPT2/21(AS): 5′ CAUCAUGGUUGUGGCCUUGAG 3′  42 ANGPT2/21(S): 5′ GGCCACAACCAUGAUG 3′  43 ANGPT2/22(AS): 5′ UCAUCAUGGUUGUGGCCUUGA 3′  44 ANGPT2/22(S): 5′ GCCACAACCAUGAUGA 3′  45 ANGPT2/23(AS): 5′ AUCAUCAUGGUUGUGGCCUUG 3′  46 ANGPT2/23(S): 5′ CCACAACCAUGAUGAU 3′  47 ANGPT2/24(AS): 5′ GAUCAUCAUGGUUGUGGCCUU 3′  48 ANGPT2/24(S): 5′ CACAACCAUGAUGAUC 3′  49 ANGPT2/25(AS): 5′ GGAUCAUCAUGGUUGUGGCCU 3′  50 ANGPT2/25(S): 5′ ACAACCAUGAUGAUCC 3′  51 ANGPT2/26(AS): 5′ CGGAUCAUCAUGGUUGUGGCC 3′  52 ANGPT2/26(S): 5′ CAACCAUGAUGAUCCG 3′  53 ANGPT2/27(AS): 5′ CUGUUUUCCAGUUAUUUACUG 3′  54 ANGPT2/27(S): 5′ AAUAACUGGAAAACAG 3′  55 ANGPT2/28(AS): 5′ GUGUUCUGUUUUCCAGUUAUU 3′  56 ANGPT2/28(S): 5′ CUGGAAAACAGAACAC 3′  57 ANGPT2/29(AS): 5′ AGUGUUCUGUUUUCCAGUUAU 3′  58 ANGPT2/29(S): 5′ UGGAAAACAGAACACU 3′  59 ANGPT2/30(AS): 5′ AAGUGUUCUGUUUUCCAGUUA 3′  60 ANGPT2/30(S): 5′ GGAAAACAGAACACUU 3′  61 ANGPT2/31(AS): 5′ UAAGUGUUCUGUUUUCCAGUU 3′  62 ANGPT2/31(S): 5′ GAAAACAGAACACUUA 3′  63 ANGPT2/32(AS): 5′ GUCAGUAUCCGAAUCAAUCAC 3′  64 ANGPT2/32(S): 5′ UGAUUCGGAUACUGAC 3′  65 ANGPT2/33(AS): 5′ CCUACAGUGUCAGUAUCCGAA 3′  66 ANGPT2/33(S): 5′ AUACUGACACUGUAGG 3′  67 ANGPT2/34(AS): 5′ UAGGCUGCGGCCAAGACAAGA 3′  68 ANGPT2/34(S): 5′ UCUUGGCCGCAGCCUA 3′  69 ANGPT2/35(AS): 5′ AUUGGACACGUAGGGGCUGGA 3′  70 ANGPT2/35(S): 5′ CCCCUACGUGUCCAAU 3′  71 ANGPT2/36(AS): 5′ UCCCUCUGCACAGCAUUGGAC 3′  72 ANGPT2/36(S): 5′ AUGCUGUGCAGAGGGA 3′  73 ANGPT2/37(AS): 5′ GUUCUCCAGCACUUGCAGCCU 3′  74 ANGPT2/37(S): 5′ GCAAGUGCUGGAGAAC 3′  75 ANGPT2/38(AS): 5′ UGUUCUCCAGCACUUGCAGCC 3′  76 ANGPT2/38(S): 5′ CAAGUGCUGGAGAACA 3′  77 ANGPT2/39(AS): 5′ AUGUUCUCCAGCACUUGCAGC 3′  78 ANGPT2/39(S): 5′ AAGUGCUGGAGAACAU 3′  79 ANGPT2/40(AS): 5′ UCAUCACAGCCGUCUGGUUCU 3′  80 ANGPT2/40(S): 5′ CAGACGGCUGUGAUGA 3′  81 ANGPT2/41(AS): 5′ AUCAUCACAGCCGUCUGGUUC 3′  82 ANGPT2/41(S): 5′ AGACGGCUGUGAUGAU 3′  83 ANGPT2/42(AS): 5′ UAUCAUCACAGCCGUCUGGUU 3′  84 ANGPT2/42(S): 5′ GACGGCUGUGAUGAUA 3′  85 ANGPT2/43(AS): 5′ CUAUCAUCACAGCCGUCUGGU 3′  86 ANGPT2/43(S): 5′ ACGGCUGUGAUGAUAG 3′  87 ANGPT2/44(AS): 5′ UCUAUCAUCACAGCCGUCUGG 3′  88 ANGPT2/44(S): 5′ CGGCUGUGAUGAUAGA 3′  89 ANGPT2/45(AS): 5′ UUCUAUCAUCACAGCCGUCUG 3′  90 ANGPT2/45(S): 5′ GGCUGUGAUGAUAGAA 3′  91 ANGPT2/46(AS): 5′ UUUCUAUCAUCACAGCCGUCU 3′  92 ANGPT2/46(S): 5′ GCUGUGAUGAUAGAAA 3′  93 ANGPT2/47(AS): 5′ ACUUGGGCUUCCACAUCAGUU 3′  94 ANGPT2/47(S): 5′ AUGUGGAAGCCCAAGU 3′  95 ANGPT2/48(AS): 5′ AUACUUGGGCUUCCACAUCAG 3′  96 ANGPT2/48(S): 5′ GUGGAAGCCCAAGUAU 3′  97 ANGPT2/49(AS): 5′ ACUGGUCUGGUCCAAAAUCUG 3′  98 ANGPT2/49(S): 5′ UUUGGACCAGACCAGU 3′  99 ANGPT2/50(AS): 5′ UUCACUGGUCUGGUCCAAAAU 3′ 100 ANGPT2/50(S): 5′ GGACCAGACCAGUGAA 3′ 101 ANGPT2/51(AS): 5′ UUUCACUGGUCUGGUCCAAAA 3′ 102 ANGPT2/51(S): 5′ GACCAGACCAGUGAAA 3′ 103 ANGPT2/52(AS): 5′ AUUUCACUGGUCUGGUCCAAA 3′ 104 ANGPT2/52(S): 5′ ACCAGACCAGUGAAAU 3′ 105 ANGPT2/53(AS): 5′ UAUUUCACUGGUCUGGUCCAA 3′ 106 ANGPT2/53(S): 5′ CCAGACCAGUGAAAUA 3′ 107 ANGPT2/54(AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCUGGUCCA 3′ 108 ANGPT2/54(S): 5′ CAGACCAGUGAAAUAA 3′ 109 ANGPT2/55(AS): 5′ UUUAUUUCACUGGUCUGGUCC 3′ 110 ANGPT2/55(S): 5′ AGACCAGUGAAAUAAA 3′ 111 ANGPT2/56(AS): 5′ GUUUAUUUCACUGGUCUGGUC 3′ 112 ANGPT2/56(S): 5′ GACCAGUGAAAUAAAC 3′ 113 ANGPT2/57(AS): 5′ UGUUUAUUUCACUGGUCUGGU 3′ 114 ANGPT2/57(S): 5′ ACCAGUGAAAUAAACA 3′ 115 ANGPT2/58(AS): 5′ UUGUUUAUUUCACUGGUCUGG 3′ 116 ANGPT2/58(S): 5′ CCAGUGAAAUAAACAA 3′ 117 ANGPT2/59(AS): 5′ UUUGUUUAUUUCACUGGUCUG 3′ 118 ANGPT2/59(S): 5′ CAGUGAAAUAAACAAA 3′ 119 ANGPT2/60(AS): 5′ AGUAGGCCUUGAUCUCUUCUG 3′ 120 ANGPT2/60(S): 5′ GAGAUCAAGGCCUACU 3′ 121 ANGPT2/61(AS): 5′ CAGUAGGCCUUGAUCUCUUCU 3′ 122 ANGPT2/61(S): 5′ AGAUCAAGGCCUACUG 3′ 123 ANGPT2/62(AS): 5′ ACAGUAGGCCUUGAUCUCUUC 3′ 124 ANGPT2/62(S): 5′ GAUCAAGGCCUACUGU 3′ 125 ANGPT2/63(AS): 5′ CACAGUAGGCCUUGAUCUCUU 3′ 126 ANGPT2/63(S): 5′ AUCAAGGCCUACUGUG 3′ 127 ANGPT2/64(AS): 5′ UCACAGUAGGCCUUGAUCUCU 3′ 128 ANGPT2/64(S): 5′ UCAAGGCCUACUGUGA 3′ 129 ANGPT2/65(AS): 5′ UUCCAUGUCACAGUAGGCCUU 3′ 130 ANGPT2/65(S): 5′ CUACUGUGACAUGGAA 3′ 131 ANGPT2/66(AS): 5′ GCUGAUGCUGCUUAUUUUGCC 3′ 132 ANGPT2/66(S):5′ AAUAAGCAGCAUCAGC 3′ 133 ANGPT2/67(AS): 5′ UGGCUGAUGCUGCUUAUUUUG 3′ 134 ANGPT2/67(S): 5′ UAAGCAGCAUCAGCCA 3′ 135 ANGPT2/68(AS): 5′ UUGGCUGAUGCUGCUUAUUUU 3′ 136 ANGPT2/68(S): 5′ AAGCAGCAUCAGCCAA 3′ 137 ANGPT2/69(AS): 5′ UGGUUGGCUGAUGCUGCUUAU 3′ 138 ANGPT2/69(S): 5′ CAGCAUCAGCCAACCA 3′ 139 ANGPT2/70(AS): 5′ CUGGUUGGCUGAUGCUGCUUA 3′ 140 ANGPT2/70(S): 5′ AGCAUCAGCCAACCAG 3′ 141 ANGPT2/71(AS): 5′ UUCCUGGUUGGCUGAUGCUGC 3′ 142 ANGPT2/71(S): 5′ AUCAGCCAACCAGGAA 3′ 143 ANGPT2/72(AS): 5′ AAAAUCAUUUCCUGGUUGGCU 3′ 144 ANGPT2/72(S): 5′ ACCAGGAAAUGAUUUU 3′ 145 ANGPT2/73(AS): 5′ UAAAAUCAUUUCCUGGUUGGC 3′ 146 ANGPT2/73(S): 5′ CCAGGAAAUGAUUUUA 3′ 147 ANGPT2/74(AS): 5′ CUAAAAUCAUUUCCUGGUUGG 3′ 148 ANGPT2/74(S): 5′ CAGGAAAUGAUUUUAG 3′ 149 ANGPT2/75(AS): 5′ GCUAAAAUCAUUUCCUGGUUG 3′ 150 ANGPT2/75(S): 5′ AGGAAAUGAUUUUAGC 3′ 151 ANGPT2/76(AS): 5′ UGCUAAAAUCAUUUCCUGGUU 3′ 152 ANGPT2/76(S): 5′ GGAAAUGAUUUUAGCA 3′ 153 ANGPT2/77(AS): 5′ CUUUGUGCUAAAAUCAUUUCC 3′ 154 ANGPT2/77(S): 5′ UGAUUUUAGCACAAAG 3′ 155 ANGPT2/78(AS): 5′ CCUUUGUGCUAAAAUCAUUUC 3′ 156 ANGPT2/78(S): 5′ GAUUUUAGCACAAAGG 3′ 157 ANGPT2/79(AS): 5′ AAGGACCACAUGCAUCAAACC 3′ 158 ANGPT2/79(S): 5′ GAUGCAUGUGGUCCUU 3′ 159 ANGPT2/80(AS): 5′ GAAGGACCACAUGCAUCAAAC 3′ 160 ANGPT2/80(S): 5′ AUGCAUGUGGUCCUUC 3′ 161 ANGPT2/81(AS): 5′ UGGAAGGACCACAUGCAUCAA 3′ 162 ANGPT2/81(S): 5′ GCAUGUGGUCCUUCCA 3′ 163 ANGPT2/82(AS): 5′ UUGGAAGGACCACAUGCAUCA 3′ 164 ANGPT2/82(S): 5′ CAUGUGGUCCUUCCAA 3′ 165 ANGPT2/83(AS): 5′ GUUGGAAGGACCACAUGCAUC 3′ 166 ANGPT2/83(S): 5′ AUGUGGUCCUUCCAAC 3′ 167 ANGPT2/84(AS): 5′ AGUUGGAAGGACCACAUGCAU 3′ 168 ANGPT2/84(S): 5′ UGUGGUCCUUCCAACU 3′ 169 ANGPT2/85(AS): 5′ AAGUUGGAAGGACCACAUGCA 3′ 170 ANGPT2/85(S): 5′ GUGGUCCUUCCAACUU 3′ 171 ANGPT2/86(AS): 5′ GUUCAAGUUGGAAGGACCACA 3′ 172 ANGPT2/86(S): 5′ UCCUUCCAACUUGAAC 3′ 173 ANGPT2/87(AS): 5′ UUGUGGCCUUGAGCGAAUAGC 3′ 174 ANGPT2/87(S): 5′ UCGCUCAAGGCCACAA 3′ 175 ANGPT2/88(AS): 5′ GUUGUGGCCUUGAGCGAAUAG 3′ 176 ANGPT2/88(S): 5′ CGCUCAAGGCCACAAC 3′ 177 ANGPT2/89(AS): 5′ GGUUGUGGCCUUGAGCGAAUA 3′ 178 ANGPT2/89(S): 5′ GCUCAAGGCCACAACC 3′ 179 ANGPT2/90(AS): 5′ UGGUUGUGGCCUUGAGCGAAU 3′ 180 ANGPT2/90(S): 5′ CUCAAGGCCACAACCA 3′ 181 ANGPT2/91(AS): 5′ AUGGUUGUGGCCUUGAGCGAA 3′ 182 ANGPT2/91(S): 5′ UCAAGGCCACAACCAU 3′ 183 ANGPT2/92(AS): 5′ UCGGAUCAUCAUGGUUGUGGC 3′ 184 ANGPT2/92(S): 5′ AACCAUGAUGAUCCGA 3′ 185 ANGPT2/93(AS): 5′ AAUCUGCUGGUCGGAUCAUCA 3′ 186 ANGPT2/93(S): 5′ AUCCGACCAGCAGAUU 3′ 187 ANGPT2/94(AS): 5′ AAAUCUGCUGGUCGGAUCAUC 3′ 188 ANGPT2/94(S): 5′ UCCGACCAGCAGAUUU 3′ 189 ANGPT2/95(AS): 5′ GAAAUCUGCUGGUCGGAUCAU 3′ 190 ANGPT2/95(S): 5′ CCGACCAGCAGAUUUC 3′ 191 ANGPT2/96(AS): 5′ AGAAAUCUGCUGGUCGGAUCA 3′ 192 ANGPT2/96(S): 5′ CGACCAGCAGAUUUCU 3′ 193 ANGPT2/97(AS): 5′ UAGAAAUCUGCUGGUCGGAUC 3′ 194 ANGPT2/97(S): 5′ GACCAGCAGAUUUCUA 3′ 195 ANGPT2/98(AS): 5′ UUAGAAAUCUGCUGGUCGGAU 3′ 196 ANGPT2/98(S): 5′ ACCAGCAGAUUUCUAA 3′ 197 ANGPT2/99(AS): 5′ UUUAGAAAUCUGCUGGUCGGA 3′ 198 ANGPT2/99(S): 5′ CCAGCAGAUUUCUAAA 3′ 199 ANGPT2/100(AS): 5′ AUAAGUGUUCUGUUUUCCAGU 3′ 200 ANGPT2/100(S): 5′ AAAACAGAACACUUAU 3′

The asiRNAs listed in Table 1 were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×siRNA duplex buffer (Bioneer Inc., Korea). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis. For the screen, SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) that had been cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. One day prior to transfection, 5×10³ SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 96-well plates. The SK-N-SH cells were transfected with 0.1 nM of the asiRNAs using RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The ANGPT2 mRNA levels in the transfected cells were measured 24 hours after transfection using real-time PCR. Specifically, total RNA was extracted and synthesized the cDNA using SuperPrep Cell Lysis & RT Kit for qPCR (TOYOBO), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Real-time PCR was performed using THUNDERBIRD® Probe qPCR Mix (TOYOBO) according to manufacturer's instructions. Amplification of the ANGPT2 was detected using ANGPT2 TaqMan® Probe (Hs01048042_ml). 18S was amplified as an internal control using 18S TaqMan® Probe (Hs03928985_gl).

The level of ANGPT2 inhibition by each of the 100 asiRNAs is provided in FIG. 1. 27 of the asiRNA sequences which have good RNAi efficacy (>30%), asiANGPT2 #15, #16, #18, #19, #20, #23, #24, #31, #37, #38, #39, #44, #50, #54, #55, #58, #61, #63, #71, #72, #80, #81, #83, #87, #93, #94 and #95 were selected for use in follow-up studies.

Example 2: Inhibition of ANGPT2 mRNA Expression Using ANGPT2-Targeting asiRNAs

Twenty-seven of the asiRNA sequences, asiANGPT2 #15, #16, #18, #19, #20, #23, #24, #31, #37, #38, #39, #44, #50, #54, #55, #58, #61, #63, #71, #72, #80, #81, #83, #87, #93, #94 and #95 were tested for their ability to inhibit ANGPT2 expression.

asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×siRNA duplex buffer (Bioneer). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis. For the screen, SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) were cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴ SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. The SK-N-SH cells were transfected with asiRNAs using RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Specifically, total RNA was extracted using RNAiso Plus (TaKaRa), and then 500 ng of the extracted RNA was used for cDNA synthesis using the high-capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Amplification of the ANGPT2 gene was detected using a power SYBR Premix Ex Taq (TaKaRa). GAPDH was amplified as an internal control. The following primer sequences were used:

Human GAPDH-forward 5′-GAG TCA ACG GAT TTG GTC GT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 201) Human GAPDH-reverse 5′-GAC AAG CTT CCC GTT CTC AG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 202) Human ANGPT2-forward 5′-GCA AGT GCT GGA GAA CAT CA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 203) Human ANGPT2-reverse 5′-CAC AGC CGT CTG GTT CTG TA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 204)

The level of ANGPT2 inhibition of 27 asiRNAs is provided in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the most efficient 14 asiRNAs; asiANGPT2 #15, #16, #18, #19, #23, #31, #37, #44, #54, #58, #72, #87, #93 and #94 were selected for use in follow-up studies.

Example 3: Inhibition of ANGPT2 mRNA Expression Using ANGPT2-Targeting asiRNAs

14 of the asiRNA sequences, asiANGPT2 #15, #16, #18, #19, #23, #31, #37, #44, #54, #58, #72, #87, #93 and #94 were tested for their ability to inhibit ANGPT2 expression by transfection at 1 nM.

The asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×siRNA duplex buffer (Bioneer). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis. For the screen, SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) that had been cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴ SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. The SK-N-SH cells were transfected with asiRNAs using RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Specifically, total RNA was extracted using RNAiso Plus (TaKaRa), and then 500 ng of the extracted RNA was used for cDNA synthesis using the High-capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Amplification of the ANGPT2 gene was detected using a power SYBR Premix Ex Taq (TaKaRa). GAPDH was an internal control.

The level of ANGPT2 inhibition of 14 asiRNAs is provided in FIG. 3.

Example 4: Inhibition of ANGPT2 Protein Expression Using ANGPT2-Targeting asiRNAs

The efficacy of asiANGPT2 for the inhibition of ANGPT2 protein was tested.

asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×siRNA duplex buffer (Bioneer). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis.

SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) that had been cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴ SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. SK-N-SH cells were transfected with 1 nM of the asiRNAs using RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

48 hours post asiRNA transfection, the level of ANGPT2 protein expression was determined via western blot. The transfected SK-N-SH cells were lysed with SDS lysis buffer (1% SDS, 100 mM Tris (pH 8.8)). 10 μg of the total protein extracts of SK-N-SH cells were loaded onto a 9% SDS-PAGE gel and electrophoresed at 120 V. After electrophoresis, the proteins were transferred to a PVDF membrane (Bio-rad) previously activated by methanol (Merck) for 1 hour at 300 mA. The membrane was blocked for 1 hour at the room temperature with 3% BSA (Bioworld) and then incubated overnight at 4° C. in 3% BSA containing anti-ANGPT2 antibody (Santa Cruz) and anti-GAPDH antibody (Santa Cruz). The membrane was then washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes three times and was incubated for 1 hour at the room temperature in 1×TBST with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody. The membrane was washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes and treated with 1×ECL for 1 minute. ANGPT2 and GAPDH bands were then imaged using a Chemidoc instrument (Bio-rad).

The results of the western blot assay are depicted in FIG. 4. As a result, asiANGPT2#54 and asiANGPT2#94 showed higher inhibitory efficiency than other asiANGPT2 strands. These strands were selected for the chemical modification.

Example 5: Chemical Modification of asiRNAs for Self-Delivery

Chemical modifications were applied to selected asiRNAs and cellular delivery of modified asiRNAs was tested in the absence of other delivery reagent. As described below, certain of the modifications improved endocytosis and stability of the asiRNAs. Such cell-penetrating asiRNAs (cp-asiRNAs) are able to be delivered into the cell in the absence of a delivery reagent.

Eight potential cp-asiRNAs (Table 2) were screened for ANGPT2 mRNA inhibition in SK-N-SH cells. SK-N-SH cells were incubated at with sp-asiRNAs at 1 uM and 3 uM without a delivery reagent and ANGPT2 mRNA levels were measured by real-time PCR.

TABLE 2 Modified asiRNA sequences tested for self- delivery and ANGPT2 inhibition. m = 2′-O-Methyl RNA, * = phosphorothioate bond. SEQ ID NO: Sequence 205 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(2, 4) (S): 5′ mCAmGAmCCmAGmUGmAAmAU*mA*A*cholesterol 3′ 206 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(2, 4) (AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCmUmGG*U*C*C*A 3′ 207 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(2, 6) (S): 5′ mCAmGAmCCmAGmUGmAAmAU*mA*A*cholesterol 3′ 208 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(2, 6) (AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCmU*mG*G*U*C*C*A 3′ 209 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(4, 6) (S): 5′ mCAmGAmCCmAGmUGmAAmAU*mA*A*cholesterol 3′ 210 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(4, 6) (AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCmU*mG*mG*mU*C*C*A 3′ 211 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(7, 6) (S): 5′ mCAmGAmCCmAGmUGmAAmAU*mA*A*cholesterol 3′ 212 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/21(7, 6) (AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCmU*mG*mG*mU*mC*mC*mA 3′ 213 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(2, 4) (S): 5′ mUCmCGmACmCAmGCmAGmAU*mU*U*cholesterol 3′ 214 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(2, 4) (AS): 5′ AAAUCUGCUGGUCGmGmAU*C*A*U*C 3′ 215 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(2, 6) (S): 5′ mUCmCGmACmCAmGCmAGmAU*mU*U*cholesterol 3′ 216 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(2, 6) (AS): 5′ AAAUCUGCUGGUCGmG*mA*U*C*A*U*C 3′ 217 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(4, 6) (S): 5′ mUCmCGmACmCAmGCmAGmAU*mU*U*cholesterol 3′ 218 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(4, 6) (AS): 5′ AAAUCUGCUGGUCGmG*mA*mU*mC*A*U*C 3′ 219 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(7, 6) (S): 5′ mUCmCGmACmCAmGCmAGmAU*mU*U*cholesterol 3′ 220 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/21(7, 6) (AS): 5′ AAAUCUGCUGGUCGmG*mA*mU*mC*mA*mU*mC 3′

SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) that had been cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish.

The potential cp-asiRNAs listed in Table 2 were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in OPTI-MEM buffer (Gibco). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis.

One day prior to treatment, 2.5×10⁴ SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. Before treatment, SK-N-SH cells were washed with Minimum Essential medium then cultured in the presence of the potential cp-asiRNAs in OPTI-MEM buffer for 8 and 24 hours, at each point the asiRNA-containing OPTI-MEM media was replaced with a serum-containing media.

The level of ANGPT2 mRNA expression was determined using real-time PCR 48 hours after asiRNA treatment.

Example 6: Inhibition of ANGPT2 mRNA Expression Using ANGPT2-Targeting Cp-asiRNAs

Inhibition of ANGPT2 mRNA by cp-asiRNAs was tested. Each potential cp-asiRNA was incubated with SK-N-SH cells at 1 uM and 3 uM without a delivery reagent and ANGPT2 mRNA levels were measured using real-time PCR.

SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) were cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish.

The cp-asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in OPTI-MEM buffer (Gibco). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis.

One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. Immediately before treatment, the SK-N-SH cells were washed with Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) then cultured in the presence of the potential cp-asiRNAs in OPTI-MEM buffer for 24 hours, at which point the asiRNA-containing OPTI-MEM media was replaced with a serum-containing media.

The levels of ANGPT2 mRNA expression were determined 48 hours after asiRNA treatment by real-time PCR. Total RNA was extracted using RNAiso Plus (TaKaRa), and then 500 ng of the extracted RNA was used for cDNA synthesis using the High-capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Amplification of the ANGPT2 gene was detected using a power SYBR Premix Ex Taq (TaKaRa). GAPDH was amplified as an internal control.

Example 7: Inhibition of ANGPT2 Protein Expression Using ANGPT2-Targeting Cp-asiRNAs

Inhibition of ANGPT2 protein by cp-asiRNAs was tested. Each potential cp-asiRNA was incubated with SK-N-SH cells at 1 uM and 3 uM without a delivery reagent. SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) that had been cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish.

The cp-asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in OPTI-MEM buffer (Gibco). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis.

One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. Immediately before treatment, the SK-N-SH cells were washed with Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) then cultured in the presence of cp-asiRNAs in OPTI-MEM buffer for 24 hours, at which point the asiRNA-containing OPTI-MEM media was replaced with a serum-containing media.

The levels of ANGPT2 protein expression were determined via western blot 48 hours after of asiRNA treatment. Briefly, the treated SK-N-SH cells were lysed with SDS lysis buffer (1% SDS, 100 mM Tris (pH 8.8)). 10 μg of the total protein extracts were loaded onto a 9% SDS-PAGE gel and electrophoresed at 120 V. After electrophoresis, the proteins were transferred to PVDF membrane (Bio-rad) already activated by methanol (Merck) for 1 hour at 300 mA. The membrane was blocked for 1 hour at the room temperature with 3% BSA (Bioworld) and then incubated overnight at 4° C. in 3% BSA containing anti-ANGPT2 antibody (Santa Cruz) and anti-GAPDH (Santa Cruz). The membrane was then washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes three times and was incubated for 1 hour at the room temperature in 1×TBST with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody. The membrane was washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes and treated with 1×ECL for 1 minute. The ANGPT2 and GAPDH bands were then imaged using a Chemidoc instrument (Bio-rad).

The results of the western blot assay are depicted in FIG. 7. As the result, cp-asiANGPT2#54 containing eight 2′-O-Methylation and 3 phosphorothioate bond on sense strand and two 2′-O-Methylation and 4 phosphorothioate bond on antisense strand, potential cp-asiANGPT2#94 containing eight 2′-O-Methylation and 3 phosphorothioate bond on sense strand and two 2′-O-Methylation and 6 phosphorothioate bond on antisense strand exhibited the highest levels of ANGPT2 inhibition.

Example 8: Inhibition of ANGPT2 mRNA Expression Using Additional ANGPT2-Targeting Cp-asiRNAs

A variety of potential cp-asiANGPT2 structures having different strand lengths and number of 2′-O-methylation modifications and phosphorothioate bond were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit ANGPT2 expression (Table 3).

TABLE 3 Additional cp-asiRNA sequences. m = 2′-O-Methyl RNA, * = phosphorothioate bond. SEQ ID NO: Sequence 221 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/19(2, 4) (S): 5′ mCAmGAmCCmAGmUGmAAmAU*mA*A*cholesterol 3′ 222 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS3/19(2, 4) (AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCmU*mG*G*U*C 3′ 223 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS4/21(2, 4) (S): 5′ mCAmGAmCCmAGmUGmAAmA*U*mA*A*cholesterol 3′ 224 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS4/21(2, 4) (AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCmUmGG*U*C*C*A 3′ 225 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS4/19(2, 4) (S): 5′ mCAmGAmCCmAGmUGmAAmA*U*mA*A*cholesterol 3′ 226 cp-asiANGPT2/54-PS4/19(2, 4) (AS): 5′ UUAUUUCACUGGUCmU*mG*G*U*C 3′ 227 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/19(2, 6) (S): 5′ mUCmCGmACmCAmGCmAGmAU*mU*U*cholesterol 3⇄ 228 cp-asiANGPT2/94-PS3/19(2, 6) (AS): 5′ AAAUCUGCUGGUCGmG*mA*U*C*A*U*C 3′

The ability of 1 uM and 3 uM of each cp-asiRNAs listed in Table 3 to inhibit ANGPT2 mRNA in SK-N-SH cells was tested.

SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) that had been cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. cp-asiRNAs listed in Table 3 were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in OPTI-MEM buffer (Gibco). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis.

One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. Before treatment, the SK-N-SH cells were washed with Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) then cultured in the presence of the potential cp-asiRNAs in OPTI-MEM buffer for 24 hours, at which point the asiRNA-containing OPTI-MEM media was replaced with a serum-containing media.

The levels of ANGPT2 mRNA expression were determined 48 hours after asiRNA treatment.

As shown in FIG. 8, cp-asiANGPT2#54 containing eight 2′-O-Methylation and 4 phosphorothioate bond on sense strand and two 2′-O-Methylation and 4 phosphorothioate bond on antisense strand, potential cp-asiANGPT2#94 containing eight 2′-O-Methylation and 3 phosphorothioate bond on sense strand and two 2′-O-Methylation and 6 phosphorothioate bond on antisense strand exhibited higher efficiency in the ANGPT2 inhibition ability than other cp-asiANGPT2s.

Example 9: Inhibition of ANGPT2 Protein Using Additional ANGPT2-Targeting Cp-asiRNAs

cp-asiRNA was incubated with SK-N-SH cells at 1 uM and 3 uM without a delivery reagent and ANGPT2 protein levels were measured by western blot. SK-N-SH cells (ATCC) that had been cultured in Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish.

The cp-asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 5 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in OPTI-MEM buffer (Gibco). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis.

One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴SK-N-SH cells were seeded in 24-well plates. Immediately before treatment, the SK-N-SH cells were washed with Minimum Essential medium (Gibco) then cultured in the presence of the potential cp-asiRNAs in OPTI-MEM buffer for 24 hours, at which point the asiRNA-containing OPTI-MEM media was replaced with a serum-containing media.

The levels of ANGPT2 protein expression were determined via western blot 48 hours after asiRNA treatment. Treated SK-N-SH cells were lysed with SDS lysis buffer (1% SDS, 100 mM Tris (pH 8.8)). 10 μg of the total protein extracts were loaded onto a 9% SDS-PAGE gel and electrophoresed at 120 V. After electrophoresis, the proteins were transferred to PVDF membrane (Bio-rad) already activated by methanol (Merck) for 1 hour at 300 mA. The membrane was blocked for 1 hour at the room temperature with 3% BSA (Bioworld) and then incubated overnight at 4° C. in 3% BSA containing anti-ANGPT2 antibody (Santa Cruz) and anti-GAPDH antibody (Santa Cruz). The membrane was then washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes three times and was incubated for 1 hour at the room temperature in 1×TBST with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody. The membrane was washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes and treated with 1×ECL for 1 minute. The ANGPT2 and GAPDH bands were then imaged using a Chemidoc instrument (Bio-rad).

The results of the western blot assay are depicted in FIG. 9. As a result, cp-asiANGPT2#54-P54/19(2,4) exhibited the highest levels of ANGPT2 inhibition.

Example 10: Screening for PDGFB-Specific Asymmetric Shorter-Duplex Small Interfering RNAs

To identify asymmetric shorter-duplex small interfering RNAs (asiRNAs) that inhibit PDGFB with high efficiency, 100 asiRNAs were synthesized and screened. The nucleic acid sequences of the screened asiRNAs are provided in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Nucleic acid sequences for exemplary PDGFB- targeting asiRNA. SEQ ID NO: SEQUENCE (5′ to 3′) 229 asiPDGFB(1)S: GUUUGCACCUCUCCCU 230 asiPDGFB(1)AS: AGGGAGAGGUGCAAACUCCCG 231 asiPDGFB(2)S: UUUGCACCUCUCCCUG 232 asiPDGFB(2)AS: CAGGGAGAGGUGCAAACUCCC 233 asiPDGFB(3)S: UUGCACCUCUCCCUGC 234 asiPDGFB(3)AS: GCAGGGAGAGGUGCAAACUCC 235 asiPDGFB(4)S: AGCCAACUUUGGAAAA 236 asiPDGFB(4)AS: UUUUCCAAAGUUGGCUUUGCA 237 asiPDGFB(5)S: GCCAACUUUGGAAAAA 238 asiPDGFB(5)AS: UUUUUCCAAAGUUGGCUUUGC 239 asiPDGFB(6)S: CCAACUUUGGAAAAAG 240 asiPDGFB(6)AS: CUUUUUCCAAAGUUGGCUUUG 241 asiPDGFB(7)S: CAACUUUGGAAAAAGU 242 asiPDGFB(7)AS: ACUUUUUCCAAAGUUGGCUUU 243 asiPDGFB(8)S: AACUUUGGAAAAAGUU 244 asiPDGFB(8)AS: AACUUUUUCCAAAGUUGGCUU 245 asiPDGFB(9)S: ACUUUGGAAAAAGUUU 246 asiPDGFB(9)AS: AAACUUUUUCCAAAGUUGGCU 247 asiPDGFB(10)S: CUUUGGAAAAAGUUUU 248 asiPDGFB(10)AS: AAAACUUUUUCCAAAGUUGGC 249 asiPDGFB(11)S: AAAUGUUGCAAAAAAG 250 asiPDGFB(11)AS: CUUUUUUGCAACAUUUUCUGG 251 asiPDGFB(12)S: AAUGUUGCAAAAAAGC 252 asiPDGFB(12)AS: GCUUUUUUGCAACAUUUUCUG 253 asiPDGFB(13)S: UGCAAAAAAGCUAAGC 254 asiPDGFB(13)AS: GCUUAGCUUUUUUGCAACAUU 255 asiPDGFB(14)S: GCAAAAAAGCUAAGCC 256 asiPDGFB(14)AS: GGCUUAGCUUUUUUGCAACAU 257 asiPDGFB(15)S: GUGAAGACGAACCAUC 258 asiPDGFB(15)AS: GAUGGUUCGUCUUCACUCGCC 259 asiPDGFB(16)S: UGAAGACGAACCAUCG 260 asiPDGFB(16)AS: CGAUGGUUCGUCUUCACUCGC 261 asiPDGFB(17)S: GUGUUCCUUUUCCUCU 262 asiPDGFB(17)AS: AGAGGAAAAGGAACACGGCAG 263 asiPDGFB(18)S: GUCGGCAUGAAUCGCU 264 asiPDGFB(18)AS: AGCGAUUCAUGCCGACUCCGG 265 asiPDGFB(19)S: UCGGCAUGAAUCGCUG 266 asiPDGFB(19)AS: CAGCGAUUCAUGCCGACUCCG 267 asiPDGFB(20)S: GGCAUGAAUCGCUGCU 268 asiPDGFB(20)AS: AGCAGCGAUUCAUGCCGACUC 269 asiPDGFB(21)S: GCAUGAAUCGCUGCUG 270 asiPDGFB(21)AS: CAGCAGCGAUUCAUGCCGACU 271 asiPDGFB(22)S: CAUGAAUCGCUGCUGG 272 asiPDGFB(22)AS: CCAGCAGCGAUUCAUGCCGAC 273 asiPDGFB(23)S: CGCUGCUGGGCGCUCU 274 asiPDGFB(23)AS: AGAGCGCCCAGCAGCGAUUCA 275 asiPDGFB(24)S: GCUGCUGGGCGCUCUU 276 asiPDGFB(24)AS: AAGAGCGCCCAGCAGCGAUUC 277 asiPDGFB(25)S: CUGCUGGGCGCUCUUC 278 asiPDGFB(25)AS: GAAGAGCGCCCAGCAGCGAUU 279 asiPDGFB(26)S: GCUGCUACCUGCGUCU 280 asiPDGFB(26)AS: AGACGCAGGUAGCAGCAGAGA 281 asiPDGFB(27)S: CUGCUACCUGCGUCUG 282 asiPDGFB(27)AS: CAGACGCAGGUAGCAGCAGAG 283 asiPDGFB(28)S: UGCUACCUGCGUCUGG 284 asiPDGFB(28)AS: CCAGACGCAGGUAGCAGCAGA 285 asiPDGFB(29)S: GCUACCUGCGUCUGGU 286 asiPDGFB(29)AS: ACCAGACGCAGGUAGCAGCAG 287 asiPDGFB(30)S: CUACCUGCGUCUGGUC 288 asiPDGFB(30)AS: GACCAGACGCAGGUAGCAGCA 289 asiPDGFB(31)S: UACCUGCGUCUGGUCA 290 asiPDGFB(31)AS: UGACCAGACGCAGGUAGCAGC 291 asiPDGFB(32)S: ACCUGCGUCUGGUCAG 292 asiPDGFB(32)AS: CUGACCAGACGCAGGUAGCAG 293 asiPDGFB(33)S: CAACGCCAACUUCCUG 294 asiPDGFB(33)AS: CAGGAAGUUGGCGUUGGUGCG 295 asiPDGFB(34)S: AACGCCAACUUCCUGG 296 asiPDGFB(34)AS: CCAGGAAGUUGGCGUUGGUGC 297 asiPDGFB(35)S: ACGCCAACUUCCUGGU 298 asiPDGFB(35)AS: ACCAGGAAGUUGGCGUUGGUG 299 asiPDGFB(36)S: CGCCAACUUCCUGGUG 300 asiPDGFB(36)AS: CACCAGGAAGUUGGCGUUGGU 301 asiPDGFB(37)S: GCCAACUUCCUGGUGU 302 asiPDGFB(37)AS: ACACCAGGAAGUUGGCGUUGG 303 asiPDGFB(38)S: CCAACUUCCUGGUGUG 304 asiPDGFB(38)AS: CACACCAGGAAGUUGGCGUUG 305 asiPDGFB(39)S: CAACUUCCUGGUGUGG 306 asiPDGFB(39)AS: CCACACCAGGAAGUUGGCGUU 307 asiPDGFB(40)S: UGACCAUUCGGACGGU 308 asiPDGFB(40)AS: ACCGUCCGAAUGGUCACCCGA 309 asiPDGFB(41)S: GGCAGGGUUAUUUAAU 310 asiPDGFB(41)AS: AUUAAAUAACCCUGCCCACAC 311 asiPDGFB(42)S: GCAGGGUUAUUUAAUA 312 asiPDGFB(42)AS: UAUUAAAUAACCCUGCCCACA 313 asiPDGFB(43)S: CAGGGUUAUUUAAUAU 314 asiPDGFB(43)AS: AUAUUAAAUAACCCUGCCCAC 315 asiPDGFB(44)S: AGGGUUAUUUAAUAUG 316 asiPDGFB(44)AS: CAUAUUAAAUAACCCUGCCCA 317 asiPDGFB(45)S: GGGUUAUUUAAUAUGG 318 asiPDGFB(45)AS: CCAUAUUAAAUAACCCUGCCC 319 asiPDGFB(46)S: GGUUAUUUAAUAUGGU 320 asiPDGFB(46)AS: ACCAUAUUAAAUAACCCUGCC 321 asiPDGFB(47)S: GUUAUUUAAUAUGGUA 322 asiPDGFB(47)AS: UACCAUAUUAAAUAACCCUGC 323 asiPDGFB(48)S: GUAUUUGCUGUAUUGC 324 asiPDGFB(48)AS: GCAAUACAGCAAAUACCAUAU 325 asiPDGFB(49)S: UAUUUGCUGUAUUGCC 326 asiPDGFB(49)AS: GGCAAUACAGCAAAUACCAUA 327 asiPDGFB(50)S: AUUUGCUGUAUUGCCC 328 asiPDGFB(50)AS: GGGCAAUACAGCAAAUACCAU 329 asiPDGFB(51)S: UUUGCUGUAUUGCCCC 330 asiPDGFB(51)AS: GGGGCAAUACAGCAAAUACCA 331 asiPDGFB(52)S: UGCUGUAUUGCCCCCA 332 asiPDGFB(52)AS: UGGGGGCAAUACAGCAAAUAC 333 asiPDGFB(53)S: GCUGUAUUGCCCCCAU 334 asiPDGFB(53)AS: AUGGGGGCAAUACAGCAAAUA 335 asiPDGFB(54)S: CUGUAUUGCCCCCAUG 336 asiPDGFB(54)AS: CAUGGGGGCAAUACAGCAAAU 337 asiPDGFB(55)S: UGUAUUGCCCCCAUGG 338 asiPDGFB(55)AS: CCAUGGGGGCAAUACAGCAAA 339 asiPDGFB(56)S: GUAUUGCCCCCAUGGG 340 asiPDGFB(56)AS: CCCAUGGGGGCAAUACAGCAA 341 asiPDGFB(57)S: AUUGCCCCCAUGGGGU 342 asiPDGFB(57)AS: ACCCCAUGGGGGCAAUACAGC 343 asiPDGFB(58)S: UUGCCCCCAUGGGGUC 344 asiPDGFB(58)AS: GACCCCAUGGGGGCAAUACAG 345 asiPDGFB(59)S: UGCCCCCAUGGGGUCC 346 asiPDGFB(59)AS: GGACCCCAUGGGGGCAAUACA 347 asiPDGFB(60)S : GCCCCCAUGGGGUCCU 348 asiPDGFB(60)AS: AGGACCCCAUGGGGGCAAUAC 349 asiPDGFB(61)S: CCCCCAUGGGGUCCUU 350 asiPDGFB(61)AS: AAGGACCCCAUGGGGGCAAUA 351 asiPDGFB(62)S: CCCCAUGGGGUCCUUG 352 asiPDGFB(62)AS: CAAGGACCCCAUGGGGGCAAU 353 asiPDGFB(63)S: GGGGUCCUUGGAGUGA 354 asiPDGFB(63)AS: UCACUCCAAGGACCCCAUGGG 355 asiPDGFB(64)S: GGGUCCUUGGAGUGAU 356 asiPDGFB(64)AS: AUCACUCCAAGGACCCCAUGG 357 asiPDGFB(65)S: GGUCCUUGGAGUGAUA 358 asiPDGFB(65)AS: UAUCACUCCAAGGACCCCAUG 359 asiPDGFB(66)S: GUCCUUGGAGUGAUAA 360 asiPDGFB(66)AS: UUAUCACUCCAAGGACCCCAU 361 asiPDGFB(67)S: UCCUUGGAGUGAUAAU 362 asiPDGFB(67)AS: AUUAUCACUCCAAGGACCCCA 363 asiPDGFB(68)S: GUCCGUCUGUCUCGAU 364 asiPDGFB(68)AS: AUCGAGACAGACGGACGAGGG 365 asiPDGFB(69)S: UCCGUCUGUCUCGAUG 366 asiPDGFB(69)AS: CAUCGAGACAGACGGACGAGG 367 asiPDGFB(70)S: CCGUCUGUCUCGAUGC 368 asiPDGFB(70)AS: GCAUCGAGACAGACGGACGAG 369 asiPDGFB(71)S: GUCUGUCUCGAUGCCU 370 asiPDGFB(71)AS: AGGCAUCGAGACAGACGGACG 371 asiPDGFB(72)S: UCUGUCUCGAUGCCUG 372 asiPDGFB(72)AS: CAGGCAUCGAGACAGACGGAC 373 asiPDGFB(73)S: CUGUCUCGAUGCCUGA 374 asiPDGFB(73)AS: UCAGGCAUCGAGACAGACGGA 375 asiPDGFB(74)S: UGUCUCGAUGCCUGAU 376 asiPDGFB(74)AS: AUCAGGCAUCGAGACAGACGG 377 asiPDGFB(75)S: GUCUCGAUGCCUGAUU 378 asiPDGFB(75)AS: AAUCAGGCAUCGAGACAGACG 379 asiPDGFB(76)S: UCUCGAUGCCUGAUUC 380 asiPDGFB(76)AS: GAAUCAGGCAUCGAGACAGAC 381 asiPDGFB(77)S: CUCGAUGCCUGAUUCG 382 asiPDGFB(77)AS: CGAAUCAGGCAUCGAGACAGA 383 asiPDGFB(78)S: UCGAUGCCUGAUUCGG 384 asiPDGFB(78)AS: CCGAAUCAGGCAUCGAGACAG 385 asiPDGFB(79)S: CGAUGCCUGAUUCGGA 386 asiPDGFB(79)AS: UCCGAAUCAGGCAUCGAGACA 387 asiPDGFB(80)S: GAUGCCUGAUUCGGAC 388 asiPDGFB(80)AS: GUCCGAAUCAGGCAUCGAGAC 389 asiPDGFB(81)S: AUGCCUGAUUCGGACG 390 asiPDGFB(81)AS: CGUCCGAAUCAGGCAUCGAGA 391 asiPDGFB(82)S: CUGAUUCGGACGGCCA 392 asiPDGFB(82)AS: UGGCCGUCCGAAUCAGGCAUC 393 asiPDGFB(83)S: UGAUUCGGACGGCCAA 394 asiPDGFB(83)AS: UUGGCCGUCCGAAUCAGGCAU 395 asiPDGFB(84)S: GAUUCGGACGGCCAAU 396 asiPDGFB(84)AS: AUUGGCCGUCCGAAUCAGGCA 397 asiPDGFB(85)S: AUUCGGACGGCCAAUG 398 asiPDGFB(85)AS: CAUUGGCCGUCCGAAUCAGGC 399 asiPDGFB(86)S: UUCGGACGGCCAAUGG 400 asiPDGFB(86)AS: CCAUUGGCCGUCCGAAUCAGG 401 asiPDGFB(87)S: UCGGACGGCCAAUGGU 402 asiPDGFB(87)AS: ACCAUUGGCCGUCCGAAUCAG 403 asiPDGFB(88)S: CGGACGGCCAAUGGUG 404 asiPDGFB(88)AS: CACCAUUGGCCGUCCGAAUCA 405 asiPDGFB(89)S: GGACGGCCAAUGGUGC 406 asiPDGFB(89)AS: GCACCAUUGGCCGUCCGAAUC 407 asiPDGFB(90)S: GACGGCCAAUGGUGCU 408 asiPDGFB(90)AS: AGCACCAUUGGCCGUCCGAAU 409 asiPDGFB(91)S: ACGGCCAAUGGUGCUU 410 asiPDGFB(91)AS: AAGCACCAUUGGCCGUCCGAA 411 asiPDGFB(92)S: CGGCCAAUGGUGCUUC 412 asiPDGFB(92)AS: GAAGCACCAUUGGCCGUCCGA 413 asiPDGFB(93)S: UCCUUCAGUUUGUAAA 414 asiPDGFB(93)AS: UUUACAAACUGAAGGAAGCAG 415 asiPDGFB(94)S: CCUUCAGUUUGUAAAG 416 asiPDGFB(94)AS: CUUUACAAACUGAAGGAAGCA 417 asiPDGFB(95)S: CUUCAGUUUGUAAAGU 418 asiPDGFB(95)AS: ACUUUACAAACUGAAGGAAGC 419 asiPDGFB(96)S: UUAUAUUUUUGGGGGC 420 asiPDGFB(96)AS: GCCCCCAAAAAUAUAAUCACC 421 asiPDGFB(97)S: UAUAUUUUUGGGGGCU 422 asiPDGFB(97)AS: AGCCCCCAAAAAUAUAAUCAC 423 asiPDGFB(98)S: AUAUUUUUGGGGGCUU 424 asiPDGFB(98)AS: AAGCCCCCAAAAAUAUAAUCA 425 asiPDGFB(99)S: UAUUUUUGGGGGCUUU 426 asiPDGFB(99)AS: AAAGCCCCCAAAAAUAUAAUC 427 asiPDGFB(100)S: AUUUUUGGGGGCUUUC 428 asiPDGFB(100)AS: GAAAGCCCCCAAAAAUAUAAU

The asiRNAs listed in Table 4 were incubated at 95° C. for 2 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×siRNA duplex buffer (STpharm). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis. For the screen, A549 cells (ATCC) were used that had been cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. One day prior to transfection, 5×10³ A549 cells were seeded in 96-well plates. The A549 cells were transfected with 0.1 nM of the asiRNAs using RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The PDGFB mRNA levels in the transfected cells were measured 24 hours after transfection using qRT-PCR. Specifically, total RNA was extracted using TOYOBO lysis reagent and then 1/5 volume of the reaction mixture was used for cDNA synthesis using the TOYOBO RT reagent (TOYOBO SuperPrep). The synthesized cDNA was diluted and then quantitative RT-PCR was performed using THUNDERBIRD® Probe qPCR Mix (TOYOBO). Amplification of the target gene was detected using PDGFB TaqMan® Probe (Hs00966522_ml) and 18S TaqMan® Probe (Hs03928985_gl).

The expression level of PDGFB inhibition by each of the 100 asiRNAs is provided in FIG. 11. Twenty-two of the asiRNA sequences targeting PDGFB mRNA, asiRNA (17), asiRNA (24), asiRNA (42), asiRNA (43), asiRNA (47), asiRNA (53), asiRNA (63), asiRNA (64), asiRNA (65), asiRNA (66), asiRNA (67), asiRNA (72), asiRNA (73), asiRNA (79), asiRNA (80), asiRNA (84), asiRNA (85), asiRNA (92), asiRNA (93), asiRNA (94), asiRNA (95), asiRNA (99) were selected for use in follow-up studies.

Example 11: Inhibition of PDGFB mRNA Expression Using PDGFB-Targeting asiRNAs

Twenty-two of the asiRNA sequences targeting PDGFB mRNA, asiRNA (17), asiRNA (24), asiRNA (42), asiRNA (43), asiRNA (47), asiRNA (53), asiRNA (63), asiRNA (64), asiRNA (65), asiRNA (66), asiRNA (67), asiRNA (72), asiRNA (73), asiRNA (79), asiRNA (80), asiRNA (84), asiRNA (85), asiRNA (92), asiRNA (93), asiRNA (94), asiRNA (95), asiRNA (99) were tested for their ability to inhibit PDGFB expression at different concentrations. The asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 2 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×siRNA duplex buffer (STpharm). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis. For the screen, A549 cells (ATCC) were used that had been cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. One day prior to transfection, 2.5×10⁴ A549 cells were seeded in 24-well plates. The A549 cells were transfected with asiRNAs using RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The PDGFB mRNA levels in the transfected cells were measured 24 hours after transfection using real-time PCR. Specifically, total RNA was extracted using RNAiso Plus (TaKaRa), and then 500 ng of the extracted RNA was used for cDNA synthesis using the High-capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The synthesized cDNA was diluted and then quantitative real-time PCR was performed using the StepOne real-time PCR system (Applied Biosystems) according to manufacturer's instructions. Amplification of the PDGFB gene was detected using a power SYBR Premix Ex Taq (TaKaRa). GAPDH was amplified as an internal control. The following primer sequences were used:

Human GAPDH-forward (SEQ ID NO: 201) 5′-GAG TCA ACG GAT TTG GTC GT-3′ Human GAPDH-reverse (SEQ ID NO: 202) 5′-GAC AAG CTT CCC GTT CTC AG-3′ Human PDGFB-forward (SEQ ID NO: 429) 5′-CAA GGG ACC TGC TCA TCA TAT T-3′ Human PDGFB-reverse (SEQ ID NO: 430) 5′-TAC CAC AGT CTC CCT CCT ATT T-3′

The level of PDGFB inhibition by the different concentrations of the 22 asiRNAs is provided in FIG. 12. 12 of the asiRNA sequences targeting PDGFB mRNA, asiRNA (24), asiRNA (42), asiRNA (47), asiRNA (64), asiRNA (65), asiRNA (66), asiRNA (67), asiRNA (73), asiRNA (80), asiRNA (94), asiRNA (95), asiRNA (99) were selected for use in follow-up studies.

Example 12: Inhibition of PDGFB Protein Expression Using PDGFB-Specific asiRNAs

Twelve of the asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 2 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×siRNA duplex buffer (STpharm). Proper strand annealing was confirmed via gel electrophoresis. A549 cells (ATCC) were used that had been cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. One day prior to transfection, 9.0×10⁴A549 cells were seeded in 6-well plates. A549 cells were transfected with 0.3 nM of the asiRNAs using RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The PDGFB mRNA levels in the transfected cells were measured 48 hours after transfection using real-time PCR and the level of PDGFB protein expression was determined via western blot.

Specifically, total RNA was extracted using RNAiso Plus (TaKaRa), and then 500 ng of the extracted RNA was used for cDNA synthesis using the High-capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The synthesized cDNA was diluted and then quantitative real-time PCR was performed using the StepOne real-time PCR system (Applied Biosystems) according to manufacturer's instructions. Amplification of the PDGFB gene was detected using a power SYBR Premix Ex Taq (TaKaRa). GAPDH was amplified as an internal control. The following primer sequences were used:

Human GAPDH-forward (SEQ ID NO: 201) 5′-GAG TCA ACG GAT TTG GTC GT-3′ Human GAPDH-reverse (SEQ ID NO: 202) 5′-GAC AAG CTT CCC GTT CTC AG-3′ Human PDGFB-forward (SEQ ID NO: 429) 5′-CAA GGG ACC TGC TCA TCA TAT T-3′ Human PDGFB-reverse (SEQ ID NO: 430) 5′-TAC CAC AGT CTC CCT CCT ATT T-3′

The mRNA level results are depicted in FIG. 13. 6 of the asiRNA sequences targeting PDGFB mRNA, asiRNA (42), asiRNA (47), asiRNA (64), asiRNA (67), asiRNA (94), asiRNA (95) shows effective gene silencing activities (60%˜).

In case of protein level, the transfected A549 cells were lysed with RIPA buffer (GE). 20 μg of the total protein extract of A549 cells were loaded onto a 10% SDS-PAGE gel and electrophoresed at 120 V. After electrophoresis, the proteins were transferred to PVDF membrane (Bio-rad) already activated by methanol (Merck) for 1 hour at 300 mA. The membrane was blocked for 1 hour at the room temperature with 5% skim milk (Seoul Milk) and then incubated overnight at 4° C. in 5% skim milk containing anti-PDGFB antibody (Abcam) and anti-β-actin antibody (Santa Cruz). The membrane was then washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes three times and was incubated for 1 hour at the room temperature in 5% skim milk with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody. The membrane was washed with 1×TBST for 10 minutes and treated with 1×ECL for 1 minute. The PDGFB and β-actin bands were then imaged using a Chemidoc instrument (Bio-rad).

The results of the western blot assay are depicted in FIG. 14. In asiPDGFB(42, 47, 66, 67, 94, 95) transfection cell lines of A549 cells, 50% or more of PDGFB protein inhibition were confirmed (FIG. 14).

Taken together, 5 of the asiRNA sequences targeting PDGFB gene, asiRNA (42), asiRNA (47), asiRNA (67), asiRNA (94), asiRNA (95), were selected for use in follow-up studies.

Example 13: Chemical Modification of asiRNAs for Self-Delivery

Chemical modifications were applied to the asiRNAs selected in Example 3 and the cellular delivery of the modified asiRNAs was tested in the absence of other delivery vehicle. As described below, certain of the modifications improved endocytosis and stability of asiRNAs. Such cell penetrating asiRNAs (cp-asiRNAs) are able to be delivered into the cell in the absence of a delivery vehicle. The expression of PDGFB mRNA by the cells is provided in FIG. 15 and the PDGFB protein levels are provided in FIG. 16, as determined using methods described above.

Potential cp-asiRNAs (Table 5) were screened for Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB) mRNA inhibition in A549 cells. Each potential cp-asiRNA was incubated with A549 cells at 1 μM and 3 μM without a delivery vehicle and PDGFB expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot study.

TABLE 5 Modified asiRNA sequences tested for self- delivery and PDGFB inhibition (5′ to 3′). m = 2′-O-Methyl RNA. * = phosphorothioate bond. SEQ ID NO: Sequence 431 asiPDGFB(42)-S: mGCmAGmGGmUUmAUmUUmAA*mU*A*cholesterol 432 asiPDGFB(42)-(7, 4) AS: UAUUAAAUAACCCUmGmCmC*mC*mA*mC*mA 433 asiPDGFB(42)-(4, 4) AS: UAUUAAAUAACCCUmGmCmC*mC*A*C*A 434 asiPDGFB(42)-(2, 4) AS: UAUUAAAUAACCCUmGmCC*C*A*C*A 435 asiPDGFB(47)-S: mGUmUAmUUmUAmAUmAUmGG*mU*A*cholesterol 436 asiPDGFB(47)-(7, 4) AS: UACCAUAUUAAAUAmAmCmC*mC*mU*mG*mC 437 asiPDGFB(47)-(4, 4) AS: UACCAUAUUAAAUAmAmCmC*mC*U*G*C 438 asiPDGFB(47)-(2, 4) AS: UACCAUAUUAAAUAmAmCC*C*U*G*C 439 asiPDGFB(67)-S: mUCmCUmUGmGAmGUmGAmUA*mA*U*cholesterol 440 asiPDGFB(67)-(7, 4) AS: AUUAUCACUCCAAGmGmAmC*mC*mC*mC*mA 441 asiPDGFB(67)-(4, 4) AS: AUUAUCACUCCAAGmGmAmC*mC*C*C*A 442 asiPDGFB(67)-(2, 4) AS: AUUAUCACUCCAAGmGmAC*C*C*C*A

A549 cells (ATCC) were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM, Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Gibco) and 100 units/ml Penicillin 100 μg/ml Streptomycin in a 100 mm cell culture dish. The potential cp-asiRNAs listed in Table 5 were incubated at 95° C. for 2 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in Opti-MEM (Gibco). Proper strand annealing of the potential cp-asiRNAs was confirmed by gel electrophoresis.

On that day cp-asiRNAs treatment, 9×10⁴ cells were seeded into 6 well plates and then cultured in the presence of the potential cp-asiRNAs in Opti-MEM for 24 hours, at which point the cp-asiRNA-containing Opti-MEM media was replaced with a serum-containing media. Twenty-four hours later, PDGFB mRNA levels in A549 cells were determined using qRT-PCR. Specifically, total RNA was extracted using RNAiPlus® (TaKaRa) and then 500 ng of the reaction mixture was used for cDNA synthesis using the High-capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems). The synthesized cDNA was diluted and then quantitative RT-PCR was performed using power SYBR green PCR master Mix (Applied Biosystems).

After 48 hours of cp-asiRNAs incubation, the level of PDGFB protein expression was determined via western blot. Briefly, the treated A549 cells were lysed with Mammalian Protein Extraction Buffer (GE Healthcare). 20 μg of total protein extract were loaded onto a 10% SDS-PAGE gel and electrophoresed at 120 V. After electrophoresis, the proteins were transferred to PVDF membrane (Bio-rad) already activated by methanol (Merck) for 1 hour at 300 mA. The membrane was blocked for 1 hour at the room temperature with 5% skim milk (Seoul Milk) and then incubated overnight at 4° C. in 5% skim milk containing anti-PDGFB antibody (Abcam) and anti-γ-tubulin antibody (Bethyl). The membrane was then washed with TBST for 10 minutes three times and was incubated for 1 hour at the room temperature in 5% skim milk with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (Santa Cruz). The membrane was washed with TBST for 10 minutes and treated with ECL substrate (Thermo Scientific). Protein bands were then imaged using a Chemidoc instrument (Bio-rad).

The levels of PDGFB inhibition by each of the 9 potential cp-asiRNAs is provided in FIGS. 15 and 16 From among the potential cp-asiRNAs tested, cp-asiPDGFB 67(7, 4) was selected for further study.

Example 14: Additional PDGFB Cp-asiRNA Structures

Other potential PDGFB cp-asiRNA structures having different chemically modification or sequence were synthesized and tested for its ability to inhibit PDGFB expression (Table 6).

TABLE 6 Additional cp-asiRNA sequences (5′ to 3′, m = 2′-O-Methyl RNA. * = phosphorothioate bond). SEQ ID NO: Sequence 443 cp-asiPDGFB(67)-S: mUCmCUmUGmGAmGUmGAmUA*mA*U*cholesterol 444 cp-asiPDGFB(67)21AS-(7, 4): AUUAUCACUCCAAGmGmAmC*mC*mC*mC*mA 445 cp-asiPDGFB(67)21AS-(7, 6): AUUAUCACUCCAAGmG*mA*mC*mC*mC*mC*mA 446 cp-asiPDGFB(67)21AS-(4, 6): AUUAUCACUCCAAGmG*mA*mC*mC*C*C*A 447 cp-asiPDGFB(67)21AS-(2, 6): AUUAUCACUCCAAGmG*mA*C*C*C*C*A 448 cp-asiPDGFB(67)19AS-(7, 4): AUUAUCACUCCAmAmGmG*mA*mC*mC*mC 449 asiPDGFB(94)-S: mCCmUUmCAmGUmUUmGUmAA*mA*G*cholesterol 450 asiPDGFB(94)-(7, 4) AS: CUUUACAAACUGAAmGmGmA*mA*mG*mC*mA 451 asiPDGFB(94)-(4, 4) AS: CUUUACAAACUGAAmGmGmA*mA*G*C*A 452 asiPDGFB(94)-(2, 4) AS: CUUUACAAACUGAAmGmGA*A*G*C*A 453 asiPDGFB(95)-S: mCUmUCmAGmUUmUGmUAmAA*mG*U*cholesterol 454 asiPDGFB(95)-(7, 4) AS: ACUUUACAAACUGAmAmGmG*mA*mA*mG*mC 455 asiPDGFB(95)-(4, 4) AS: ACUUUACAAACUGAmAmGmG*mA*A*G*C 456 asiPDGFB(95)-(2, 4) AS: ACUUUACAAACUGAmAmGG*A*A*G*C

The ability of cp-asiRNAs listed in Table 6 to inhibit PDGFB expression in A549 cells was tested. A549 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM, Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Gibco) and 100 units/ml Penicillin 100 μg/ml. cp-asiRNAs listed in Table 6 were incubated at 95° C. for 2 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in Opti-MEM (Gibco). Proper strand annealing of the potential cp-asiRNAs was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. On that day cp-asiRNAs treatment, 2.5×10⁴ cells were seeded 24 well plates then cultured in the presence of the potential cp-asiRNAs in Opti-MEM for 24 hours, at which point the cp-asiRNA-containing Opti-MEM media was replaced with a serum-containing media. Twenty-four hours later, PDGFB expression levels in A549 cells were determined.

The cp-asiRNAs were incubated at 95° C. for 2 minutes and at 37° C. for 1 hour in Opti-MEM (Gibco). Proper strand annealing of the potential cp-asiRNAs was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. A549 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM, Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Gibco) and 100 units/ml Penicillin and 100 ug/ml Streptomycin. On the day of treatment, 9×10⁴A549 cells were seeded in 6-well plates then cultured in the presence of the potential cp-asiRNAs in Opti-MEM. Twenty-four hours later, PDGFB protein levels in A549 cells were determined via western blot. Briefly, the treated A549 cells were lysed with Mammalian protein Extraction Buffer (GE Healthcare). 20 μg of the total protein extract were loaded onto a 10% SDS-PAGE gel and electrophoresed at 120 V. After electrophoresis, the proteins were transferred to PVDF membrane (Bio-rad) previously activated by methanol (Merck) for 1 hour at 300 mA. The membrane was blocked for 1 hour at the room temperature with 5% skim milk (Seoul Milk) and then incubated overnight at 4° C. in 5% skim milk containing anti-PDGFB antibody (Abcam) and anti-γ-tubulin antibody (Bethyl). The membrane was then washed with TBST for 10 minutes three times and was incubated for 1 hour at the room temperature in 5% skim milk with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (Santa Cruz). The membrane was washed with TBST for 10 minutes and treated with ECL substrate (Thermo Scientific). The Target protein bands were then imaged using a Chemidoc instrument (Bio-Rad).

As seen the FIG. 18, PDGFB expression potential cp-asiPDGFB 67 consist of 21 nucleotide antisense strands and potential cp-asiRNAs consist of 19 nucleotide antisense strands exhibited the similar levels of PDGFB inhibition. And cp-asiPDGFB 94(4,4), cp-asiPDGFB 95(4,4), asiPDGFB 95(2,4) shows effective PDGFB inhibition without delivery vehicle.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of conflict, the present application, including any definitions herein, will control.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. An RNA complex comprising an antisense strand of at least 19 nucleotides (nt) in length having sequence complementarity to an ANGPT2 mRNA sequence or a PDGFB mRNA sequence and a sense strand of 15 to 17 nt in length having sequence complementarity to the antisense strand, wherein the antisense strand and the sense strand form a complex in which the 5′ end of the antisense strand and the 3′ end of the sense strand form a blunt end.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The RNA complex of claim 1, wherein the antisense strand is 19 to 21 nt in length. 4.-6. (canceled)
 7. The RNA complex of claim 1, wherein the antisense strand is at least 24 nt in length. 8.-10. (canceled)
 11. The RNA complex of claim 1, wherein the sense strand has a sequence selected from the sense strand sequences listed in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, and Table
 6. 12. The RNA complex of claim 1, wherein the antisense strand has a sequence selected from the antisense strand sequences listed in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, and Table
 6. 13.-16. (canceled)
 17. The RNA complex of claim 1, wherein the RNA complex comprises a chemical modification.
 18. The RNA complex of claim 17, wherein the chemical modification is a 2′-O-methylated nucleoside, a phosphorothioate bond or a hydrophobic moiety.
 19. (canceled)
 20. The RNA complex of claim 18, wherein the hydrophobic moiety is a cholesterol moiety. 21.-28. (canceled)
 29. The RNA complex of claim 18, wherein the RNA complex comprises at least one phosphorothioate bond. 30.-37. (canceled)
 38. The RNA complex of claim 17, wherein the RNA complex is a modified RNA complex listed in Table 2, Table 3, Table 5, and Table
 6. 39. The RNA complex of claim 1, wherein the RNA complex is capable of penetrating the cellular membrane of a cell in the absence of a delivery vehicle. 40.-46. (canceled)
 47. A method of inhibiting an angiogenesis-associated disease in a subject comprising administering the RNA complex of claim
 1. 48.-49. (canceled)
 50. The method of claim 47, wherein the angiogenesis-associated disease is AMD.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the AMD is wet AMD.
 52. The method of claim 50, wherein the AMD is dry AMD. 53.-70. (canceled)
 71. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an RNA complex of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 72. A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 71. 73. (canceled)
 74. The method of claim 72, comprising administering the pharmaceutical composition to a tumor or to the eye in the subject. 75.-92. (canceled)
 93. The method claim 50, further comprising administering a second agent for the treatment of AMD.
 94. (canceled)
 95. The method of claim 93, wherein the second agent is ranibizumab, bevacizumab, pegaptanib, or afibercept. 